Deputy Auditor - Payroll

Dubuque County, IA; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Dental

Vision

Long Term Disability (company paid)

Life and AD&D

Job summary

Dubuque County is seeking a Deputy Auditor - Payroll to lead and manage all payroll functions for the county. RESPONSIBILITIES include processing payroll, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and coordinating with auditors and HR to resolve issues.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, proficiency with Tyler software, and a background in finance or accounting. The position is exempt and full-time, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Experience with payroll processing and audits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and control payroll processing tasks across the department.
• Collaborate with IT on system updates and testing.
• Calculate payroll liabilities and withholdings for all payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Prepare audit support schedules and reports for external audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate's degree in finance or accounting

Five years payroll management experience

CPP/CPA preferred

Tools

Tyler software

Job description

Salary: $65,780.93 - $82,226.16 Annually

Location : Dubuque, IA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2025-00104

Department: Auditor

Opening Date: 10/26/2026

Closing Date: 11/9/2026 3:00 PM Central

FLSA: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: CB

Description

The Deputy Auditor - Payroll is responsible for establishing, managing, directing, maintaining and processing all phases of the Dubuque County payroll, timely and accurately, including day-to-day operations, process improvements, project management, payroll tax, and internal and external audits.

Job Duties

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develop and control all tasks necessary to accomplish the County's payroll processing objectives, including relationships within the enterprise, internal and external auditors, and federal, state and local agencies.
• Collaborate with technical support on system updates, required testing, and results sharing to ensure optimal system performance and implement necessary modifications.
• Calculate accurate payroll liabilities including but not limited to federal, state, local, Social Security, Medicare, employee and employer tax withholdings, and payments utilizing the Tyler system.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge and stay abreast of legislation regarding federal, state, local, Social Security and Medicare payroll regulations and timelines affecting the payroll process, payroll taxes and related deductions to ensure county compliance.
• Provide departmental guidance, and complete accurate, compliant, and timely filing of all payroll data and payments to appropriate federal, state and local authorities.
• Maintain payroll guidelines by writing and updating policies and procedures.
• Regularly researches complex issues and determines best solution using analytical and adaptive thinking.
• Create tax reports, deduction reports, prepare accounting/financial transactions and reports, documents and updates payroll procedures and prepares special reports upon request.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, such as Human Resources, to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage, hour, and tax regulations regarding compensation and fringe benefits.
• Guide Human Resources staff on the collection and processing of employee time and aids in the resolution of discrepancies regarding time paid, or deductions affecting the pay.
• Assure payrolls are processed in compliance with Auditor's Office policies and procedures.
• Maintain all payroll records and monitor the integrity of the payroll system.
• Review and analyzes payroll related accounts and is responsible for the accuracy and timely reconciliation of the payroll accounts within a complex accounting system.
• Work with the financial team of the Auditor's Office to determine the need for new accounts and revisions in the accounting structure as it relates to payroll.
• Assist with and prepares accurate and timely audit support schedules, reports and other deliverables for the external annual financial audit.
• Research, update, calculate, and maintain all records associated with the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS).
• Maintain the confidential nature of payroll and ensure appropriate internal controls for complete confidentiality of the payroll information and associated records.
• Perform periodic internal reviews of various areas and prepare materials, as needed, for internal audits and account reconciliations.
• Backup for accounts payable duties as needed to ensure timely payment processing.
• Create, administer and update County procurement policies and procedures across various areas.
• Review, approve, and process Procurement Card transactions.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing professional networks.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities deemed necessary by the Auditor.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Associate's degree in finance, accounting or related fields of study or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years payroll management is required with a minimum of three (3) years of payroll analysis. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Three additional years of experience may be substituted in place of certification or CPA.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Dubuque County does not sponsor work visas or provide immigration sponsorship.

Supplemental Information

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

• Must have the ability to plan, manage and organize multiple projects simultaneously. Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze and resolve problems. Ability to perform job responsibilities without supervision. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, are required.
• Experience with Tyler software suite is preferred.
• Must have previous experience managing the payroll process for a large employer, from the basic data entry and submission of required reporting to potentially addressing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues.
• Advanced Microsoft Office computer skills are required, focusing on Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of ethical accounting standards.
• Experience with Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa payroll tax filings is preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dubuque County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting and standing.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment.

EOE/ADA Statement

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Dubuque County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Dubuque County is proud to offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package that keeps health insurance costs low for employees while providing strong coverage for you and your family. Along with highly affordable medical insurance, employees enjoy retirement security through IPERS, generous paid time off, and a wide range of programs that support your health, well-being, and financial peace of mind.

• Medical Insurance with 24/7 access to:
  • Health Advocacy
  • Nurse Support
  • Care Navigation
• Doctor on Demand
  • $0 Telehealth/urgent care
  • Free talk therapy
  • Discounted psychiatry
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical & Dependent Care FSA
• Life and AD&D (company paid and ability to purchase additional Voluntary Life and AD&D)
• Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Assistance Program
• PerkSpot - Employee discount program
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
• Paid Time Off
  • Personal Time Off
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • 15 paid holidays