Payroll Specialist

The role of a Payroll Specialist involves managing daily payroll operations for a large department within the City of Cleveland. The company is the City of Cleveland, which is responsible for various public services and administrative functions. The specialist ensures that all payroll transactions are processed accurately and on time, handling confidential materials with sensitivity and professionalism. The main responsibilities include executing time and attendance processing, interfacing with payroll systems, and assisting with paperwork for new hires, terminations, and employee changes. The specialist also compares and validates work schedules, time clocks, and payroll entries, conducts ongoing time entry audits, and makes necessary adjustments. Communication with various levels of management is a key part of the role, as is making decisions, solving problems, and analyzing data. The specialist also develops ad hoc financial and operational reports, processes year-end reporting, and prepares internal payroll reports. Additionally, the role involves understanding proper taxation of employer-paid benefits, filing documents, maintaining payroll records, and processing manual checks. To qualify for this role, candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and at least four years of experience in payroll processing, with one year in an organization with 200+ employees. A strong knowledge of federal and state regulations, as well as payroll best practices, is essential. Proficiency in Excel and a working knowledge of Kronos and ADP are required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as a strong work ethic, are also necessary. Nice-to-have skills include a strong knowledge of scheduling software that interfaces with Kronos and ADP, a professional payroll certification, and ongoing participation in continuing education seminars and educational sessions. An Associate's degree in Math, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university is also preferred. The City of Cleveland values its employees and encourages them to embrace its guiding principles, which include placing Clevelanders at the center, empowering employees to do purposeful work, and striving for equity in all actions. What the role asks for: - High School Diploma or GED - Four years of payroll processing experience, one of which must be for an organization with 200+ employees - Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations - Strong knowledge of payroll best practices - Strong PC skills including proficiency in Excel - Working knowledge of Kronos and ADP - Strong verbal and written communication skills - Strong work ethic