Payroll Supervisor

City of Johnson City; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Johnson City in Tennessee seeks a Payroll Supervisor in the Finance Department to oversee payroll processing for all city employees and supervise Payroll Technicians.

Responsibilities include handling garnishments, 941 filings, and W-2s, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and continuously improving processes.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of payroll practices, accounting principles, and payroll regulations.
• Ability to review and analyze timecards, prepare payroll, and ensure accuracy.
• Pre-employment physical and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Review timecards from all departments and import into payroll system.
• Process payroll, garnishments, and third-party payments.
• Prepare 941s, W-2s, and related filings; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Supervise Payroll Technicians and guide payroll policy interpretations.
• Maintain internal controls and audit-ready documentation.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Accounting principles

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or related field

Tools

Oracle payroll software

Job description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting applications for a Payroll Supervisor in the Finance Department. The employee performs difficult technical accounting work of high responsibility related to the processing and review of payroll and all related transactions. Supervises and directs the work of the Payroll Technicians; does related work as required. The work of this class involves responsibility for the payroll for all City employees. The employee will perform difficult accounting and reporting tasks including preparing payroll and all related functions. A considerable amount of contact with other City employees is involved in the work of this class. Initiative and self-motivation is required. This is a working supervisory role and the position will perform routine duties in support of the payroll function. The employee is under the general supervision of the Finance Director.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Review timecards of all departments
• Monitor all timecard submissions from departments and import into the payroll module
• Verify hours (quantity, type, etc.) for all City employees
• Analyze timecards for overlapped and excess/short hours for all employees
• Communicate with timekeepers to facilitate corrections
• Calculate and process garnishments, worker's compensation payments, payouts for termed employees Process payroll utilizing the Oracle software
• Verify and upload payroll direct deposit file to the bank
• Process 3rd party payments for certain deductions
• Prepare quarterly 941 reconciliation and filings, including the schools
• Calculate and process payrolls to termed employees in accordance with City policy
• Provide payroll data to various areas as required for grants and other filings
• Prepare and file annual W-2s
• Track and input military time by employees
• Reconcile and submit TCRS retirement payments – both payroll deduction and stabilization
• Supervise the work of the Payroll Technicians.
• Evaluates and recommends improvements to our processes to increase efficiency.
• Authority over decisions regarding payroll corrections and policy interpretations
• Provide guidance on complex payroll issues and ensure consistent application of policies
• Maintain and enforce internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval workflows and documentation standards
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on payroll policies, procedures and system functionality
• Maintain audit ready documentation and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Will work closely with our software provider and other support personnel to continuously improve our payroll systems and processes.
• Performs related tasks as

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of payroll practices, accounting principles, federal/state payroll regulations, clerical methods used in keeping and auditing fiscal accounts and records, and of office terminology, procedures, routines and equipment; general knowledge of business arithmetic and English in preparation of report analyses; some knowledge of professional accounting practices; ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; ability to operate computer terminal; ability to get along well with others; strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others; high level of accuracy, integrity, and judgement; ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll information; clerical aptitude; mental alertness; good judgment; accuracy; integrity. Extended period of sitting at a workstation or desk. Manual dexterity to work efficiently on typewriter and/or computer keyboard for data entry. Ability to speak clearly.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Preferred College graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

EEO