PAYROLL/PAYABLES SPECIALIST

Linn County, IA; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement plan

Wellness program

On-site fitness center

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Linn County in Iowa is seeking a Payroll & Payables Specialist to manage bi-weekly payrolls, vendor payments, and record accuracy. The role emphasizes compliance with county, state, and federal policies while delivering excellent service to internal and external customers.

You will process payroll data, maintain records, train staff, troubleshoot systems, and prepare reports for IPERS, W‑2s, and 1099s. This window outlines daily responsibilities and expectations in a public sector setting.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or closely related field.
• Two to four years of experience in payroll or accounts payable, preferably in a public sector agency.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payrolls, including authorizations and off-cycle corrections.
• Maintain payroll data accuracy including taxes, benefits, garnishments, and PTO.
• Prepare compliance reports and filings (IPERS, W‑2s, COBRA, unemployment).
• Process payments to vendors weekly and reconcile statements.
• Manage vendor records and tax ID validation; oversee 1099 preparation and submission.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee/vendor data and support audits.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data accuracy

Compliance

Customer service

Training staff

Accounts payable

Education

Associate degree in accounting

Tools

GovSense

LinnTOT

Job description

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Centered Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Access to medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage: $31.31

About the role:

This role supports countywide payroll and payables functions with emphasis on data accuracy, compliance, and customer service. The position ensures timely and accurate payroll and payable processing, supports interdepartmental coordination, and upholds county, state, and federal financial policies. Duties involve preparing and reviewing reports, maintaining employee and vendor records, training staff, and optimizing use of payroll and financial systems.

Payroll Specific Duties

• Processes bi-weekly payrolls, including processing payroll authorizations and off-cycle corrections.
• Ensures accurate entry and maintenance of payroll data including taxes, benefits, garnishments, deferred compensation, banking details, COBRA, and paid time off.
• Reviews timesheets for accuracy and compliance with County policy and contracts.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and Risk Management on payroll implications for FMLA, workers compensation, FEMA, etc.
• Assists departments and employees with payroll systems functionality, including training and troubleshooting.
• Prepares compliance reports and filings including IPERS, W‑2s, COBRA, unemployment, and garnishments.
• Maintains records for W‑2 preparation and audit readiness.

Payable Specific Duties

• Verifies and approves bills, procurement card transactions, and employee expense reports in GovSense for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Processes ACH and check payments weekly to vendors, election workers, and employees.
• Reconciles procurement card statements and prepares related journal entries.
• Manages procurement cards including issuing cards and maintaining card data.
• Manages vendor records in payables systems, ensures proper W‑9 and tax ID validation, and oversees 1099 preparation and submission.
• Tracks uncashed checks, coordinates vendor follow-up, and prepares resolutions for voiding stale payments.
• Prepares weekly/monthly reports for the Board of Supervisors, Finance & Budget, Treasurer, and other internal/external stakeholders.
• Assists departments and employees with payables systems functionality including training and troubleshooting.
• Monitors budget compliance using LinnTOT and flags discrepancies.

General Duties

• Maintains confidentiality of all employee and vendor data.
• Responds to employee and department inquiries with professionalism and clarity.
• Compiles, documents, and distributes data for audits, budget reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Participates in departmental meetings to recommend and document process improvements.
• Collaborates with other departments (HR, Finance & Budget, , IT, Risk Management) to ensure data integrity.
• Assists in testing and implementing software updates to payables and payroll systems.
• Contributes to shared platforms and audit documentation.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the “Voice of the Customer “and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible.

• Associate degree in accounting or closely related field required.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in a related field required working with payroll or accounts payable, preferably with a public sector agency
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for this position may be considered.

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.