Payroll Specialist

Position Summary Performs technical and administrative work in the preparation, processing, and maintenance of the City's payroll functions. Responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, and tax reporting in compliance with federal and state regulations, City policies, and applicable labor agreements. The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and employee confidence in compensation administration. Payroll Processing & Administration Process payroll cycles, including review of timesheets, calculation of wages, overtime, adjustments, and entry into payroll systems Administer deductions, taxes, retirement contributions, and benefits in coordination with Human Resources Process special payrolls, supplemental payments, and final paychecks in accordance with City policies Compliance, Reconciliation & Reporting Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS, and applicable regulations, including preparation of payroll tax filings and year-end reporting Reconcile payroll registers and liability accounts to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies Maintain accurate payroll records, support audits, and ensure confidentiality of employee data Employee Support & Systems Improvement Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding payroll, timekeeping, and deductions Coordinate with HR and Finance to resolve discrepancies and provide payroll training as needed Support payroll system updates, testing, and process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of payroll processing, including federal and state tax regulations, FLSA requirements, benefits and retirement contributions, and basic governmental accounting Proficiency in ERP/payroll systems and Excel, with strong attention to detail in data entry, recordkeeping, and payroll calculations Ability to review, reconcile, and validate payroll data, identifying and resolving discrepancies accurately Understanding of payroll laws and City policies, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information Strong communication and customer service skills to support employees and supervisors while managing tight payroll deadlines

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, or related field preferred
• Two (2) years of payroll processing experience
• Experience with computerized payroll systems Preferred Qualifications Experience in municipal or public sector payroll Knowledge of retirement systems such as TMRS Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation Experience with ERP systems (e.

g., Tyler Munis, Incode, SAP) Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills