Payroll Specialist

The City of Highland Park is seeking an experienced payroll professional to join its Finance Department. This position plays a key role in administering the City’s bi-weekly payroll and supporting employees with payroll-related questions and issues. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized and comfortable managing a multifaceted payroll process with a high degree of accuracy and independence.

Administers all aspects of the City’s bi-weekly payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Provides frontline financial and customer service support including cashiering, transaction processing, and general clerical tasks. Maintains detailed payroll records, processes tax filings and vendor payments, and supports continuous improvement of payroll functions.

Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Finance with the exception of front counter customer service responsibilities, which are under the direct supervision of the Accounting Manager.

Expected hiring range: $60,000 - $75,000 DOQ
2026 Grade 9 Range Max: $83,965.47
Salaried Exempt Position
IMRF Pension Eligible

• Administer bi-weekly payroll including data entry, processing, and reconciliation of employee time, compensation changes, accrual balances, garnishments, and benefit deductions. Maintain payroll system data, employee wage records, and direct deposit files. Ensure compliance with union contracts, payroll policies, and wage assignments. Serve as a resource to employees for payroll-related questions.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns (federal, state, unemployment), generate year-end W-2s, process payroll-related vendor payments, and submit reports to agencies including IRS and IMRF. Conduct payroll account reconciliations, manage software updates for legislative compliance, complete compensation surveys, and recommend process improvements. Maintain certification through ongoing professional education.
• Process daily cash receipts and verify accuracy of customer transactions, including payments for utilities, permits, parking citations, real estate transfer taxes, and other municipal fees. Follow City financial procedures and reconcile payments.
• Provide front-line customer service at the counter and via phone. Answer questions, notarize documents, and support general information requests. Handle calls for the City’s main switchboard and assist in preparing memos and correspondence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Associate’s degree or two years of technical/business coursework required, Coursework in accounting or finance preferred.

Three to five years of professional payroll experience. Familiarity with payroll compliance, accounting procedures, and ERP/payroll software systems

Certification as a Fundamental Payroll Specialist (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, tax withholding, and benefits administration
• Familiarity with applicable federal and state laws including FLSA, IMRF, and IRS regulations
• Experience preparing payroll reports and filings (e.g., W-2s, 941s, state unemployment)
• Knowledge of recordkeeping practices, reporting tools, and office procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial software (Eden or Munis preferred)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills
• Excellent…