Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Location:

11620 N Copper Spring Trail Oro Valley, AZ 85737 or 7654 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021

Salary: $20.13 - $25.53 per hour
Grade: 13
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

The Senior Payroll Specialist is the second level of the Payroll Specialist series and serves as a backup for the Payroll Manager. They perform HRIS maintenance and direct payroll staff, authorize critical payroll functions when the Payroll Manager is absent, and serve as a resource for payroll questions. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate payment and reporting of employee wages in compliance with all State, Federal, and local requirements;

auditing and correcting leave plans and deferred pay; creating payroll reports, auditing for errors, and supporting the budget team. The role trains new staff, reviews their work, coordinates deferred pay, monitors deductions, and ensures quality control of all payroll transactions. The specialist audits payroll entries, reviews staff-related payroll activity for timeliness and accuracy, and may perform additional duties as assigned.

• Review ETE payroll, maintain leave balances, and provide reports to employees, supervisors, and the finance team.
• Ensure accurate electronic and manual payroll data entry for all positions and stipends; obtain approved documentation for all transactions and archive records.
• Conduct PPA review and tracking to ensure correct new‑hire processing, matching leave plans, pay schedules, ETE setup in HRIS, training completion, direct deposits, and tax entries; process terminations per checklist.
• Complete retirement documents for RASL and ASRS, verify ending payroll, and provide employment verifications.
• Create reports in the Data Warehouse and HR Writer to monitor sick leave over two years, annual leave balances, overtime, current employees, and ETE proxies.
• Train employees and supervisors on time reporting and support new payroll staff; review work and attend GAO meetings to prepare payroll recovery documents.
• Maintain employee files, payroll records, and related documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Administrative procedures such as word processing, file and record management, and form design.
• Understanding of governmental economic and accounting principles and financial data reporting.
• Command of English language structure, grammar, and spelling.
• Competence in complex arithmetic, algebra, and statistics.
• Business and management principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, and leadership.
• Knowledge of payroll legal codes, state and federal regulations, agency policy, and budgeting processes.
• Ability to analyze needs and develop solutions, handle equipment and systems, and manage time effectively.

• Associate’s degree or vocational training in a related field.

• Previous payroll experience.
• Proficiency in administrative procedures: word processing, filing, data entry, and MS Office.
• Knowledge of governmental economic and accounting principles.
• Experience with payroll legal codes, state and federal regulations, and agency policies.
• Budgeting and financial accounting experience.
• Customer and personal service skills.

• Must pass an FBI and State background check or hold a Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E‑Verify).
• If driving or vehicle use is required, a valid driver’s license is mandatory.

• Medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, supplemental, and dependent life insurance.
• Basic life, non‑smoker life, accidental death and dismemberment, and seat belt insurance are covered automatically.
• Optional benefits include employee self‑service, wellness, tuition discounts, travel reduction, auto & home insurance, and purchase discount programs.
• Full‑time or part‑time remote work offers improved work/life balance and higher job satisfaction.
• Paid parental leave program available.