HEAD CLERK

WORCESTER CITY OFC-WATER; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 75,331,000 - 90,862,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Worcester is seeking a Head Clerk in the Auditing Department’s Payroll Division to audit City and Worcester Public School payroll for accuracy and compliance. The role includes review, verification, and timely payment of payroll, storing documents, and assisting department personnel while handling phone inquiries.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The position requires experience with payroll rules, Workday or similar HCM software, and excellent communication and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years bookkeeping or accounting experience that includes payroll.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Audit all City payroll as submitted by each department through Workday HCM software and verify figures and calculations for accuracy.
• Review and verify department payroll entries to ensure compliance with City rules and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, and law as they relate to salaries and payroll procedures.
• Review and verify fringe benefits relative to paid time off, overtime pay, stipends, and all other miscellaneous compensation stipends.
• Work with department payroll employees, Human Resources and Treasury to resolve discrepancies or variations.
• Prepare special reports requested by the Auditor.
• Secure official interpretations on problematic matters.
• Ensure information received is verified on a timely basis.
• Update and track various payroll information electronically.
• Work closely with the Department of Information Technology to ensure accurate information and notify when the payroll can be run.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Workday/HCM software

Attention to detail

Customer service

Data entry

Communication skills

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Office equipment

Collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Payroll accounting experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

HEAD CLERK
AUDITING DEPARTMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Head Clerk for the Auditing Department’s Payroll Division. Under the direction of the Administrative Assistant of the Payroll Division, the Head Clerk is responsible for auditing City and Worcester Public School payroll to confirm the accuracy of the calculations and will review and verify all department payroll entries to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, and laws and timely payment of payroll. The position will store documents, convert to electronic archive, and provide assistance as needed to department personnel and answer incoming phone calls.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

• Audit all City payroll as submitted by each department through Workday HCM software and verify figures and calculations for accuracy.
• Review and verify department payroll entries to ensure compliance with City rules and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, and law as they relate to salaries and payroll procedures.
• Review and verify fringe benefits relative to paid time off, overtime pay, stipends, and all other miscellaneous compensation stipends.
• Work with department payroll employees, Human Resources and Treasury to resolve discrepancies or variations.
• Prepare special reports requested by the Auditor.
• Secure official interpretations on problematic matters.
• Ensure information received is verified on a timely basis.
• Update and track various payroll information electronically.
• Work closely with the Department of Information Technology to ensure accurate information and notify when the payroll can be run.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances relating to payroll
• Prior accounting or bookkeeping experience with emphasis on payroll
• Experience processing payroll using Workday or other modern HCM software
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to interpret written and numerical data accurately
• Experience with data entry, file maintenance, and general administrative and clerical duties
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with diverse employees
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to manage priorities and multitask in a fast-paced environment with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Experience providing excellent customer service and the ability to resolve conflicts with city departmental payroll clerks while consistently maintaining a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers, scanners, and copiers
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Regular onsite attendance is required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years bookkeeping or accounting experience that includes payroll transactions
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, or other related discipline
• Five (5) years of experience performing payroll accounting functions

SALARY RANGE: $26.29 - $31.71 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.