Payroll Specialist

Description

The Payroll Specialist performs a variety of technical and advanced accounting clerical duties involved in the processing of the City’s payroll. Responsibilities include calculating all wage assignments, reconciling payroll against submitted department timesheet data, calculating and remitting all applicable withholding liabilities, preparing quarterly and annual federal and state payroll reporting returns, and researching all applicable federal, state and local tax laws.

Required:

two years of college coursework in business, accounting or related field plus one year of experience in payroll processing.

• FLSA non‑exempt, overtime paid for hours over 40 in a week.
• Grade 315 with an hourly salary between $26.2091 and $39.3139.

The City of Glendale offers a generous benefits package with competitive rates effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• 2025‑2026 Benefits Guide
• City of Glendale Benefits Presentation
• City of Glendale’s Benefits Page

• 10.5 paid holidays per year, and full‑time employees receive an additional 12 hours of holiday special leave per calendar year to celebrate cultural or religious holidays.
• Vacation leave accruals:
• 5.33 hours per pay period (138 hours/17.25 days per year) for the first five years.
• 6.12 hours per pay period after five years.
• 7.6 hours per pay period after ten years of service.
• Sick leave accrues at 4.4 hours per pay period (114 hours/14.25 days per year).
• Days per year estimates are based on an eight‑hour work day.

• Participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Mandatory contribution deducted every pay period; current rate is 12.00%.

The City of Glendale is the West Valley’s entertainment nexus, offering proximity to major venues, convenient freeway access, and a growing community. Employees enjoy a highly diverse, dedicated, and skilled work environment, opportunities for career growth, and a vibrant local lifestyle.

• Review timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and approvals; adjust entries as needed to comply with MOUs and federal regulations; reconcile timesheets to payroll system reports.
• Review and analyze payroll reports for errors and make adjustments as needed.
• 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 accuracy of deductions, payments and recording.
• Prepare and file W‑2s, 941s and related payroll tax reports.
• Maintain employee data by entering withholding data, direct deposit requests, deductions and other employee information into the payroll system.
• Assist employees with complex and sensitive questions regarding tax withholding, direct deposit, leave accruals, and other payroll-related inquiries.
• Process the citywide biweekly payroll from timesheet data and salary records.
• Process off‑cycle checks as needed.
• Assist with special projects, system testing, etc. as needed.
• Communicate with Human Resources and other departments regarding new hire paperwork, benefits, leave accruals, and other employee‑related personnel actions impacting payroll.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Two years of college coursework in business, accounting or a related field plus one year of experience in payroll processing. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying; one year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

• Applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to payroll administration and tax withholding.
• Principles and procedures of payroll processing, reconciling and accounting.
• Customer service principles and procedures.
• The various state retirement system policies and procedures and their differences.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
• Operation of standard office equipment and a personal…