Payroll Specialist Senior

Macomb County Government • Mount Clemens, MI

23h • Onsite

About The Position

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment. To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Payroll Specialist Senior SALARY: $66,559.45 - $86,089.08 DEPARTMENT: Finance Department Opening Date: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: 03/12/2026 12:00 a.m. FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m. GENERAL SUMMARY Under direction, calculates, processes, reconciles and distributes Countywide payroll and monthly pension payments. Prepares and processes employee W2’s and retiree 1099R’s. Prepares, audits, and submits various payments and reports for local, state, and federal taxes, and other required deductions. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws as well as County policies. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Calculates, audits, and processes Countywide payroll, monthly pension payments and supplemental payroll runs, including the processing and distribution of checks and direct deposit payments. Processes leave time, overtime, and other special pay for employees. Prepares and processes payments and required reports for payroll or pension related deductions such as taxes, garnishments, third-party voluntary benefit programs, and other deductions. Supports Human Resources and Labor Relations operations with payroll changes, new deductions, new hires, terminations, retirements, monthly medical waivers, and yearly deduction changes. Assists all County departments with payroll related functions and inquiries. Processes year-end reports and maintains historical files. Performs year-end payroll and pension account reconciliation. Calculates, processes and distributes employee W-2 and retiree 1099R tax documents. Verifies and processes new deductions and updates tax tables for the upcoming fiscal year. Prepares annual payroll schedule. Prepares special reports as required. Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions. Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field
• Five years of experience administering end-to-end payroll processing for a medium to large sized organization
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
• Knowledge of: Payroll processing procedures and best practices
• Applicable payroll systems and software used for processing and reporting, including Workday
• County payroll policies, labor agreements, and relevant regulations
• Accounting principles related to payroll and financial transactions
• Wage, tax, and deduction calculations, including overtime and special pay
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Skill in: Data entry
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Ability to: Understand collective bargaining agreement language regarding payroll items
• Maintain accurate records
• Prioritize incoming communications based on time sensitivity
• Establish strong rapport with other departments and develop collaborative relationships across the County
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Work independently

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field
• Experience administering end-to-end payroll processing for a public or non-profit organization
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Responsibilities

• Calculates, audits, and processes Countywide payroll, monthly pension payments and supplemental payroll runs, including the processing and distribution of checks and direct deposit payments.
• Processes leave time, overtime, and other special pay for employees.
• Prepares and processes payments and required reports for payroll or pension related deductions such as taxes, garnishments, third-party voluntary benefit programs, and other deductions.
• Supports Human Resources and Labor Relations operations with payroll changes, new deductions, new hires, terminations, retirements, monthly medical waivers, and yearly deduction changes.
• Assists all County departments with payroll related functions and inquiries.
• Processes year-end reports and maintains historical files.
• Performs year-end payroll and pension account reconciliation.
• Calculates, processes and distributes employee W-2 and retiree 1099R tax documents.
• Verifies and processes new deductions and updates tax tables for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Prepares annual payroll schedule.
• Prepares special reports as required.
• Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree