Payroll Specialist

City of Glendale • Glendale, AZ

10d

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist performs technical and advanced accounting clerical duties in processing the City’s payroll. The role includes calculating wage assignments, reconciling payroll with department timesheet data, calculating and remitting withholding liabilities, preparing quarterly and annual federal and state payroll returns, and researching applicable federal, state, and local tax laws.

The position processes the citywide biweekly payroll, supports employees with payroll-related questions, coordinates with Human Resources and other departments, and assists with projects and system testing. It is FLSA non-exempt and pays overtime for hours worked over 40 in a week. The hourly salary range is $26.2091–$31.3139.

The City of Glendale describes its benefits package as generous and competitive. Regular-status positions offer paid holidays, vacation leave, and sick leave. Full-time employees also receive 12 hours of holiday special leave per calendar year. This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System, with mandatory contributions deducted each pay period.

Requirements

• Two years of college coursework in business, accounting, or a related field, plus one year of experience in payroll processing, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• One year of relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to payroll administration and tax withholding.
• Knowledge of payroll processing, reconciliation, and accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of state retirement system policies and procedures and their differences.
• Knowledge of financial record-keeping and reporting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard office equipment, personal computers, and job-related word processing, spreadsheet, and other software applications.
• Ability to plan and manage time effectively to meet payroll processing timelines.
• Ability to work independently with computerized payroll processing, retroactive calculations and payments, online checks for routine corrections, and preparation of payroll reports.
• Ability to calculate payroll, employee time, retroactive payments, tax liability, and deductions.
• Ability to analyze financial data, reconcile accounts, and prepare reports.
• Ability to maintain records efficiently and accurately and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees.

Responsibilities

• Review timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate approvals; adjust entries as needed to comply with memoranda of understanding and federal regulations.
• Reconcile timesheets to payroll system reports and review payroll reports for errors, making adjustments to resolve problems.
• Process, review, and correct retroactive payments and deductions.
• Run the general payroll ledger posting process.
• Prepare and transmit files, wires, and check requests for direct deposit, taxes, deferred compensation, retirement plans, and other payroll liabilities.
• Reconcile payroll liabilities for accurate deductions, payments, and recording.
• Reconcile, prepare, and file W-2s, 941s, and related payroll tax reports in compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Maintain employee data in the payroll system, including withholding data, direct deposit requests, deductions, and other employee information.
• Assist employees with complex and sensitive questions about tax withholding, direct deposit, leave accruals, and other payroll matters.
• Process the citywide biweekly payroll using timesheet data and salary records, and process off-cycle checks as needed.
• Assist with special projects and system testing as needed.
• Communicate with Human Resources and other departments about new-hire paperwork, benefits, leave accruals, and other personnel actions affecting payroll.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 10.5 paid holidays per year for regular-status positions.
• Full-time employees receive an additional 12 hours of holiday special leave per calendar year for cultural or religious holidays.
• Vacation leave accrues at 5.33 hours per pay period (138 hours or 17.25 days per year), increasing after five years and again after ten years of service.
• Sick leave accrues at 4.4 hours per pay period (114 hours or 14.25 days per year).
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, with mandatory contributions deducted each pay period.
• The City describes its benefits package as generous and competitive; benefits become effective on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

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