Senior Municipal Payroll Specialist

City of Highland Park, IL; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Highland Park, IL is seeking an experienced payroll professional to administer the bi-weekly payroll within the Finance Department. The role supports employees with payroll questions, ensures accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and maintains detailed payroll records.

This salaried exempt position requires 3–5 years of payroll experience, an associate degree (or two years of related coursework), and certification such as FPC or CPP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or two years of technical/business coursework required; coursework in accounting or finance preferred.
• Three to five years of professional payroll experience.
• Certification as FPC or CPP strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer bi-weekly payroll processing, data entry, and reconciliations; manage wage records, direct deposit files, and deductions.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, W-2s, and wage reports to agencies including IRS and IMRF; conduct reconciliations and implement process improvements.
• Process daily cash receipts and customer payments for various city departments and fees; ensure accuracy and compliance with procedures.
• Provide front-line customer service at the counter and via phone; assist with memos and correspondence as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Payroll processes

Tax withholding

Benefits administration

Communication

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Associate’s degree or two years of technical/business coursework

Tools

Eden

Munis

SQL Server Reporting Services

Job description

The City of Highland Park, IL is seeking an experienced payroll professional to administer the bi-weekly payroll within the Finance Department. The role supports employees with payroll questions, ensures accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and maintains detailed payroll records.

This salaried exempt position requires 3–5 years of payroll experience, an associate degree (or two years of related coursework), and certification such as FPC or CPP is preferred.