Company Overview
The City of Highland Park invites applications for a Payroll Specialist position within its Finance Department. This role is central to managing the City’s bi-weekly payroll, processing related financial transactions, and providing front counter customer support. We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with payroll experience, adept at navigating union environments, and dedicated to accuracy and supporting a diverse workforce within a collaborative municipal setting. This IMRF pension-eligible position offers an anticipated hiring range of $60,000 – $75,000, dependent on qualifications. For more details or to apply, please visit the provided link [insert link here if needed]. This is a great opportunity for finance professionals seeking impactful work in local government.
Okay, here is a rephrased version of the detailed job description for the Payroll Specialist at the City of Highland Park, using professional language and a clear structure:
Job Opening: Payroll & Customer Service Specialist – City of Highland Park
The City of Highland Park is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll & Customer Service Specialist to manage the comprehensive bi-weekly payroll function and provide essential financial and customer support services. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective, efficient, and accurate financial operations of the City.
Position Overview:
Reporting primarily to the Deputy Director of Finance (with customer service oversight from the Accounting Supervisor), this position administers all aspects of the City’s computerized payroll. Responsibilities extend to key customer-facing financial transactions and administrative support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Payroll Administration:
- Implement policies and procedures for accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll processing.
- Process timesheets, calculate earnings, deductions (taxes, insurance, retirement, union dues, garnishments), special pays (retroactive, longevity, termination), and ensure data accuracy.
- Maintain employee payroll records, accrual balances, and master files.
- Generate payroll checks, direct deposit files, and associated reports.
- Prepare and submit quarterly/annual tax returns (Federal, State, Unemployment) and year-end W-2s.
- Ensure timely remittance of funds to relevant agencies (IRS, State, IMRF, etc.).
- Perform regular payroll reconciliations (IMRF, liability accounts).
- Implement union contract provisions within the payroll system.
- Troubleshoot payroll software and research solutions for system issues.
- Assist employees with payroll-related inquiries.
- Customer Service & Financial Support:
- Process daily cash receipts and handle customer payments for various City services (utilities, permits, licenses, etc.).
- Provide information and assistance to the public in person and via the main City switchboard.
- Assist with preparing documents for the Annual Audit and Budget.
- Professional Standards:
- Maintain payroll certification (FPC/CPP strongly preferred) through continuing education.
- Stay informed about payroll industry developments and tax regulations.
- Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to the payroll function.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Requires 4 to 6 years of previous payroll experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties effectively.
- Education: An Associate’s degree or two years of technical/business school, including accounting coursework, is preferred.
- Certification: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is strongly preferred.
- Skills: Strong bookkeeping, accounting, administrative skills; ability to handle detailed work accurately; proficiency with relevant software; excellent customer service and communication skills.