Senior payroll specialist

Job Description

Are you a payroll professional with a strong foundation and a desire to grow your expertise in a public service environment? The City of Raleigh is looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist to join our Finance Department, where you’ll play a key role in supporting accurate and timely payroll operations for the city’s workforce. In this role, you’ll apply your working knowledge of payroll processes to assist with payroll runs, reconciliations, and employee transactions such as garnishments, separations, and benefit deductions. You’ll also help identify and resolve routine payroll issues, support audits, and contribute to process improvements. While we are looking for someone to bring valuable experience to the table, this position also offers opportunities to expand your skills through collaboration, cross-training, and exposure to broader fiscal functions. This is a great opportunity for someone who’s confident in their payroll abilities, detail-oriented, and ready to take the next step in their career within a mission-driven team.

About You:

The City is seeking a detail-oriented payroll professional with a solid understanding of payroll processes and a passion for accuracy. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with payroll systems, handling employee transactions, and knowing their way around reconciliations and reporting. Understanding candidates may not have tackled every complex payroll scenario yet, we are seeking candidates who are eager to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate clearly, and take pride in providing excellent service to both employees and colleagues. We are seeking an organized, dependable individual who is ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, public service, and continuous improvement. If you're looking for a role where you can build on your experience, expand your skills, and make a meaningful impact in local government—this could be the opportunity for you!

What We’re Looking For

Experience in payroll processing within a local government, public sector, or similarly structured organization, including familiarity with timekeeping systems, deductions, and payroll cycles. Working knowledge of payroll regulations and compliance and regulatory requirements, such as FLSA, tax withholdings, garnishments, and benefit deductions. Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially when reviewing payroll data, performing reconciliations, and/or preparing reports. Proficiency with financial or payroll software systems (e.g., Enterprise Resource Planning systems, timekeeping platforms, or Human Resources Information Systems, along with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet and Microsoft Office tools. Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to respond timely and accurately to employee inquiries and collaborate effectively with internal departments. Ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities and deadlines, while maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating sound judgment in handling sensitive payroll information.

About Us:

The Payroll Division of the Finance Department processes end-to-end biweekly payroll for more than 5,500 full and part-time employees. This is a team-oriented, accuracy-driven environment where your work ensures timely, reliable compensation - and contributes to the City’s broader financial health. Our Finance Department prides itself on fiscal integrity, accountability, and smart decision-making, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, financial reporting, and strong internal controls. After onboarding, you’ll also enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule that supports work-life balance – making this an excellent opportunity for professionals who what to make an impact while enjoying flexibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. As a Senior Payroll Specialist in the Payroll Division, you’ll be a key contributor to delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services for the City. You’ll:

• Ensure every paycheck counts: Perform end-to-end payroll processing, including data verification, audits, and corrections to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
• Handle the complex with confidence: Manage specialized payroll functions such as garnishments, child support orders, terminations/separations, and retirements with precision and care
• Keep the books balanced: Support payroll-related account reconciliations—identifying discrepancies and working collaboratively to resolve them
• Turn data into clarity: Maintain and prepare payroll spreadsheets, reports, and documentation that are accurate, up to date, and audit ready
• Be the first line of support: Respond to employee and department inquiries about payroll matters - resolving issues or escalating them when needed
• Champion compliance: Assist with internal audits and compliance reviews, ensuring adherence to payroll policies, labor laws, and reporting requirements
• Protect what matters: Maintain organized, confidential payroll records in line with retention policies and audit standards
• Support the bigger picture: Take on related fiscal and administrative duties that contribute to the smooth operation of the Payroll Division and the City’s broader financial goals

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree or 2 Years of College in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, and 1 to 3 years' experience in billing, accounting, payroll, or a related field OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Additional Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general accounting and financial management
• Payroll principles, practices and procedures
• Principles of customer service
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Applicable City policies and procedures
• Financial and payroll software platforms
• Modern office practices and procedures including the use of standard office equipment and computer applications such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications

Skill In:

• Managing fiscal processes
• Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial information and statistics
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations
• Monitoring project schedules, status and compliance
• Organizing and maintaining fiscal program/process documentation, schedules, records and files
• Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Ability to:

• Conduct meetings and present information to technical and non-technical audiences
• Maintain fiscal program/process documentation, schedules, records and files
• Track and organize data, financial statements and transactions
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Use technology and software programs to extract and share data with staff
• Build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment. Work Exposures: Work in this position does not require frequent environmental exposures. City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.