Payroll/Accounting Clerk

City of Maypearl; Texas; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Smithville is seeking a Payroll Clerk responsible for bi-weekly payroll processing, benefits administration, and payroll reporting. The role requires accuracy, confidentiality, and knowledge of payroll systems and labor laws. The position supports the Finance Director and broader accounting operations.

Responsibilities include onboarding, timekeeping, tax deposits, and routine reconciliations. Strong organizational skills and discretion are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, tax calculations, and benefit deductions.
• Familiarity with government accounting standards and labor law.
• Experience with payroll-related reporting and journal entries.

Responsibilities

• Onboarding of new employees.
• Oversee annual benefits Open Enrollment and manage benefit plans.
• Provide payroll-related assistance to employees and department heads.
• Manage time & attendance data from Tyler Technologies.
• Maintain employee data for payroll checks and deductions.
• Process bi-weekly payroll, enter timesheets, issue payroll checks, and post to GL.
• File payroll tax deposits and remit garnishments.
• Prepare payroll reports (Form 941, W-2s) and related compliance forms.
• Support workers’ compensation reporting and annual audits.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with journal entries.
• Assist other City clerks with customer service during high volume periods.
• Support Finance Director with special reports and projects.

Skills

Payroll processing

General ledger

Tax compliance

Confidential information handling

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Tyler Technologies

Excel

Word processing

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

This role requires a strong understanding of payroll systems and accounting principles, along with the ability to handle confidential information with integrity. The Payroll Clerk will perform bi-weekly processing of payroll accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws and tax regulations. The Payroll Clerk will play a vital role in maintaining precise payroll records and supporting overall financial operations within our organization and will perform various clerical and finance-related tasks as directed by the Finance Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various tasks which may be performed in this position. The omission of a task or function does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Payroll Processing duties include:

• Onboarding of new employees
• Oversee annual benefits Open Enrollment. Monitor all employee benefit plans (group insurances, retirement, credit unions, etc.) Enroll/delete employees in benefit plans, as necessary.
• Provide assistance to employees and department heads regarding payroll-related questions.
• Manage time & attendance data from systems like Tyler Technologies
• Maintain employee data necessary to produce payroll checks, including deduction types and amounts, earning types and amounts, leave balances, etc.
• Processing of bi-weekly payroll, including
  • Entering timesheets
  • Production and distribution of payroll checks
  • Production of payroll reports, check registers, etc.
  • Posting payroll transactions to the General Ledger
  • Processing checks/ACH items related to child support, TMRS, credit unions, Nationwide, and/or any other payroll garnishment/deduction
  • Filing payroll tax deposits
  • Transferring funds to clear due to/due created during payroll process
• Maintain HRA records.
• Prepare payroll reports – Form 941, TWC SUTA , Form 1095-C, Form 1095-A, and W-2’s
• Submit and monitor workers’ compensation claims and reporting.
• Perform annual Workers Compensation Audit.

Other duties include, but are not limited to:

• Reconcile payroll accounts, A/P, and A/R accounts and perform journal entries to reflect correct amounts in the general ledger.
• Help maintain the fixed asset list - updating and deleting as necessary, making sure vehicle registrations are kept current, titling new vehicle/equipment, and adding/deleting items on insurance
• Enter Journal Entries, as required
• Assist other City clerks with customer service and answering telephones during periods of high volume (or staff shortages) to the extent regular workload allows.
• Assist Finance Director with special reports and projects, as needed

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum 2 years’ experience which demonstrates thorough knowledge of basic accounting functions (preferably on a computerized system), including but not limited to:
• General Ledger account types including Assets, Liabilities, Revenues, and Expenses
• Payroll processing includes entry of timecards, payroll taxes, benefit deductions, leave accrual, employee file maintenance, check preparation, and filing
• Basic cash management including receiving cash and making change, bank deposits, operation of Petty Cash
• Strong knowledge of employment & labor law, tax law, and governmental accounting standards
• Ability to perform account reconciliation and journal entries accurately
• Ability to operate office equipment including 10-key calculator, copier, fax machine, etc.
• Familiarity with personal computers and experience using spreadsheet and word processing software is preferred.
• Understanding of payroll management processes including tax calculations, deductions, benefits administration, and compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Ability to interact in a congenial manner with customers and coworkers and to successfully negotiate disputes with vendors and suppliers as necessary

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is essentially sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting; however, occasional walking, standing, bending, and light lifting (5-10 pounds) is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. City management has exclusive rights to alter this job description at any time without notice. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested. … The City of Smithville affords equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other protected status.