Payroll Supervisor

Overview

This position provides comprehensive end-to-end payroll services for the City of Atlanta, supporting bi-weekly payroll operations for a large diverse workforce. This role ensures payroll accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations while delivering high-quality customer service to departments and employees. The Payroll Supervisor supports organizational integrity by safeguarding payroll processes and effectively leading and supporting the payroll team.

The Payroll Supervisor oversees assigned payroll staff and ensures compliance with the City and departmental policies, labor contracts, and federal and state employment regulations governing the work. Reports to the Payroll Manager.

• Oversee and execute the full cycle bi-weekly payroll for over 8,000 hourly and salaried employees in an in-house payroll environment
• Serve as the secondary point of contact for escalated payroll inquiries and issue resolution
• Supervise, train, coach, and support assigned payroll staff to ensure accuracy, timeliness and compliance
• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting employees with payroll-related inquiries, including wages, deductions, taxes and other payroll matters
• Analyze payroll issues, apply effective problem-solving techniques, and implement appropriate resolutions to support employee satisfaction
• Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources to ensure employee data is updated accurately and timely in the payroll system
• Collaborate with General Accounting to ensure payroll mapping is properly established and payroll data is accurately transmitted to the general ledger
• Monitor payroll processing timelines and proactively manage disruptions to ensure payroll is processed on schedule
• Ensure policies and procedures are documented, communicated and consistently followed by departments and supporting staff
• Ensure proper retention of electronic and non-electronic payroll records and safeguard confidential and sensitive information
• Maintain all HR and payroll files, including personnel records, payroll documents, deferred compensation (457/DC) deductions, off-cycle payroll requests, and records for both active and terminated employees
• Assist technology team with payroll system testing, upgrades, and module implementation
• May perform other related duties as assigned

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with various payroll systems and software (e.g., Oracle, ADP, Paychex, Workday)
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state employment regulations and payroll tax laws
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to perform payroll and basic accounting functions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including analyzing large datasets under tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, and executive leadership
• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to quickly adapt to changes in payroll regulations, systems, policies, and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate as a team player and proactively identify process improvements
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work extended hours as required
• Experience with premium pay, shift differentials, shared leave, advance sick leave, Fire and Police calculations
• Strong PC skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ten-key calculator

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, or Business Administration or related field; supplemented by five years of payroll processing experience in a large-scale organization, including two years of supervisory experience; OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Must have three to five years of payroll system experience within a government environment
• Two years of experience supervising payroll functions OR one year of experience at the higher-level Payroll Specialist or equivalent position
• Proficiency in creating and modifying spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel

• Experience with web-based payroll system, HRIS, benefit administration, and reconciliations preferred