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Payroll Specialist

City of Missouri City, Missouri City, TX, United States


Position Summary
Performs technical and administrative work in the preparation, processing, and maintenance of the City’s payroll functions. Responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, and tax reporting in compliance with federal and state regulations, City policies, and applicable labor agreements.

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and employee confidence in compensation administration.

Payroll Processing & Administration

Process payroll cycles, including review of timesheets, calculation of wages, overtime, adjustments, and entry into payroll systems

Administer deductions, taxes, retirement contributions, and benefits in coordination with Human Resources

Process special payrolls, supplemental payments, and final paychecks in accordance with City policies

Compliance, Reconciliation & Reporting

Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS, and applicable regulations, including preparation of payroll tax filings and year-end reporting

Reconcile payroll registers and liability accounts to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies

Maintain accurate payroll records, support audits, and ensure confidentiality of employee data

Employee Support & Systems Improvement

Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding payroll, timekeeping, and deductions

Coordinate with HR and Finance to resolve discrepancies and provide payroll training as needed

Support payroll system updates, testing, and process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of payroll processing, including federal and state tax regulations, FLSA requirements, benefits and retirement contributions, and basic governmental accounting

Proficiency in ERP/payroll systems and Excel, with strong attention to detail in data entry, recordkeeping, and payroll calculations

Ability to review, reconcile, and validate payroll data, identifying and resolving discrepancies accurately

Understanding of payroll laws and City policies, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information

Strong communication and customer service skills to support employees and supervisors while managing tight payroll deadlines

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required

Associate degree in Accounting, Business, or related field preferred

Two (2) years of payroll processing experience

Experience with computerized payroll systems

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in municipal or public sector payroll

Knowledge of retirement systems such as TMRS

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation

Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Tyler Munis, Incode, SAP)

Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills

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