Payroll Administrator

Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association; Saint Cloud, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

City of St. Cloud is seeking a Payroll Specialist to administer full-cycle payroll for all city employees, ensuring accurate and timely pay while maintaining records and compliance with CBAs, IRS rules and MN statutes.

Responsibilities include processing bi-weekly to annual payroll, auditing time data, calculating withholdings, submitting reports and W-2s, and assisting with ERP configuration updates. Minimum qualifications: a Bachelor's in accounting/finance with 3+ years of payroll experience,

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Experience with payroll accounting principles and ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Administers end-to-end payroll processes for all city employees
• Audits time and attendance data for compliance
• Calculates withholdings for taxes, pensions, and deductions
• Submits disbursements and reconciles benefit deductions
• Produces and files W-2s and other required reports
• Coordinates with external agencies for pensions, workers' compensation, and OPEB
• Analyzes and forecasts annual personnel services budget
• Participates in payroll software updates to remain compliant

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Associate's degree in accounting

Job description

Deadline : Open until filled. First consideration given to applications received by Thursday, September 17th, 2026

This position is responsible for administering the City's full-cycle, end-to-end payroll functions, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. The position maintains employee records, performs calculation of wages and deductions in adherence with city policy, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), IRS rules, federal law and MN statutes for reporting requirements and/or payments. The position supports annual budgeting functions as they relate to payroll; wages and fringe benefits. The position is also responsible to assist with development and testing of configuration revisions maintained in the City of St. Cloud's ERP system and related software applications to accurately reflect CBAs terms and tax law.This position requires a strong working knowledge of payroll accounting principles and ERP software application.

Examples of duties and responsibilities include:

• Administers all end-to-end bi-weekly, quarterly, annual and special payroll processes for all city employees.


• Responsible for payroll maintenance on employee records.


• Audits time and attendance data for compliance with employment rules, contracts and policies.


• Calculates and executes withholdings for taxes, pensions, levies, voluntary deductions, and benefits.


• Processes and submits disbursements for pay-related deductions and taxes.


• Oversees reconciliation of benefit deductions to vendor invoices.


• Responsible for all report and file submissions required within the payroll process.


• Produce, reconcile, file and distribute W2s.


• Manage application of retiree insurance benefits and expense recording within general ledger.


• Process and submit for wage and benefit reimbursements available to city.


• Act as primary liaison to coordinate with external agencies for compliance and audit review for pensions, workers compensation, and OPEB requirements.


• Develops, analyzes, and forecasts the annual personnel services budget.


• Collaborates with labor negotiation team in research, report compilation, benefit cost forecasting and verifying proposed terms can be configured within the ERP payroll software.


• Participates with implementation and testing of updates within payroll software needed to comply with laws, collective bargaining agreements and policy changes.


• Maintains awareness of changes in federal and state laws and other regulations affecting payroll operation.

Note: This position requires regular and reliable attendance, the ability to concentrate and manage multiple priorities with frequent interruptions, strong written and verbal communication skills, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work well with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and three(3) years or more of progressive, end-to-end payroll processing experience

OR

• Associate's degree in accounting in combination with six(6) years or more of full-time experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Hours: Typically 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Hiring salary range: The 2026 full salary range is $73,584 - $98,927. The beginning hiring rate: $35.3771/hr. On January 1, 2027, there is a 4.75% general wage increase to all ranges and steps.