Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Administrator to manage and process complex payroll operations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong end-to-end payroll experience, preferably within a municipal or public-sector environment, and possess expertise in union payroll administration, payroll tax compliance, audits, garnishments, and employee deductions. This individual will also provide support to the accounting team as needed and play a key role in payroll system enhancements and implementations.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
- Process and administer payroll accurately and timely for a multi-employee organization.
- Manage all aspects of payroll including earnings, deductions, taxes, direct deposits, benefits, and leave accruals.
- Administer complex union payrolls, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and applicable regulations.
- Review and validate payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to processing.
- Maintain employee payroll records and ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.
Compliance & Tax Administration
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
- Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll tax filings and payments.
- Manage payroll-related audits and provide supporting documentation as required.
- Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes impacting payroll operations.
Garnishments & Deductions
- Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other payroll deductions.
- Coordinate with agencies and employees regarding garnishment processing and compliance requirements.
- Reconcile benefit deductions and other payroll-related withholdings.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Serve as a key payroll system resource and subject matter expert.
- Support payroll system upgrades, implementations, and process improvements.
- Assist with the migration from SoftWright to Harpers Payroll, including testing, validation, data reconciliation, and user support.
- Preference for candidates with direct Harpers Payroll experience or prior payroll system conversion/implementation experience.
Accounting Support
- Assist with payroll-related general ledger reconciliations and journal entries.
- Support month-end and year-end close activities.
- Provide backup support to accounting functions including accounts payable, reconciliations, and other finance-related tasks as needed.
Qualifications
Required
- 3+ years of payroll administration experience with demonstrated expertise in complex payroll processing.
- Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, deductions, and payroll compliance requirements.
- Experience managing payroll audits and responding to audit requests.
- Proficiency with payroll systems and payroll reporting.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
- Municipal, government, or public-sector payroll experience.
- Experience processing union payrolls and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.
- Experience with Harpers Payroll or participation in payroll system implementations/conversions..
- Accounting experience and ability to provide backup support to finance/accounting functions.
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification is a plus.
Skills & Competencies
- Payroll Processing
- Union Payroll Administration
- Payroll Tax Compliance
- Payroll Audits
- Garnishments & Wage Attachments
- Benefits & Deduction Administration
- Payroll System Implementation & Conversion
- General Ledger Reconciliation
- Accounting Support
- Regulatory Compliance
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Attention to Detail and Accuracy
How to apply.
Apply through TopOneHire and we forward your application to the hiring employer. TopOneHire is a publisher and listings platform — we do not screen, interview, or make hiring decisions.