PAYROLL MANAGER - 40004975

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 76,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking a Payroll Manager in the Finance Department to oversee the bi-weekly payroll, ensure accurate processing, and coordinate timekeeping, deductions, and reporting.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance/Public Administration and 4 years of payroll or related experience; CPA preferred. Full-time position with opportunities to improve processes and support auditors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of payroll, accounting, human resources or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff in payroll activities.
• Manages and coordinates payroll runs to ensure complete, accurate bi-weekly processing.
• Ensures timekeeping entries and leave accruals are posted and reported.
• Ensures compliance with IRS and state regulations in payroll procedures.
• Acts as primary contact for payroll issues and audits; supports auditors as needed.

Skills

Payroll management

Staff supervision

Payroll reconciliation

Auditing support

IRS/state compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Public Administration

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

Department

Finance

Date Posted

June 24, 2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Hiring Range

$76,422 - $100,120

Position Number

40004975

Job Type

Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week,
Exempt

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to manage and coordinate County payroll work activities preparing, processing, and confirming the complete, accurate and timely completion of bi-weekly payroll. Also, responsible for all payroll related reconciliations and reporting in the County's general ledger. This works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, discipling, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Manages and coordinates payroll activities to prepare, process and confirm the complete, accurate and timely completion of bi-weekly payroll runs.
• Ensures all timekeeping entries and leave accruals and deductions are posted and properly reported.
• Develops, implements, and researches operational procedures to ensure compliance with IRS and State regulations.
• Ensures timely reporting and payment of the employer’s and employees’ withholding taxes and miscellaneous withholdings to appropriate agencies.
• Serves as primary contact for all payroll issues, including researching and resolving payroll problems, providing support to employees, external parties in answering payroll related questions, and processing manual pay adjustments and checks, and off-cycle pay requests; Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work process, and cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Conducts timesheet audits and analysis of data from Cash Management regarding ACH for payroll.
• Resolves general ledger and posting errors or discrepancies, reclass payments via journal entry, remit missed 401k amounts.
• Creates and evaluates system reports.
• Assists internal and external auditors during the audit process, provides documents, reports, and other payroll related credentials upon request. Evaluate and implement procedural changes recommended by auditors.
• Assists in the planning and coordination of the accounting system and preparation of financial reports.
• Contributes to departmental financial reporting by assisting in the preparation of financial statements, footnotes, schedules, and supporting documentation as part of the Finance Department’s month-end, year-end, ACFR processes, and other financial reporting needs within the Finance Department.
• Supports audit functions by preparing workpapers, reconciliations, and required documentation, and collaborates across Finance to ensure payroll and related data are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable accounting and reporting standards.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimal Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of payroll, accounting, human resources or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Certifications And Licenses

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

Standard Clauses

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Essential Safety Functions

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Background Check Statement

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.