Senior Payroll Specialist

Albemarle Co; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Health insurance options

Employer-paid life insurance

VRS retirement

Continuing education/training

Job summary

The Department of Budget & Finance at Albemarle County is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage complex payroll operations, including preparation, auditing, and reconciliation under general supervision. You will handle input data, post payroll files, and address employee questions on checks, deductions, and taxes.

This full-time, hybrid-eligible role requires strong Excel skills, GAAP understanding, and experience with payroll systems.

Qualifications

• Payroll processing and reporting experience.
• Knowledge of payroll tax law.
• Advanced Excel and data manipulation.
• Ability to prepare payroll reports accurately.

Responsibilities

• Process manual entries and payroll batches.
• Verify coding and post payroll files.
• Prepare manual paychecks as needed.
• Reconcile third-party vendor liabilities.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries.
• Reconcile and issue W-2s and W-3s.
• Process amended payrolls.
• Assist in testing new pay codes.

Skills

Payroll expertise

GAAP knowledge

Excel skills

Auditing payroll

Communication

Education

Finance/Accounting degree

Tools

ADP Payroll

Job description

Senior Payroll Specialist
The Department of Budget & Finance

Full-Time, 12 Months
Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 31
VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/Objective:

Under general supervision, this position performs complex specialized technical work in the areas of finance involving the preparation, administration, auditing, and reconciliation of the payroll functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Essential Functions:

• Processes manual entries and file batches for payroll run
• Verifies proper coding of payroll input data and posts payroll files as required
• Prepares manual individual paychecks as needed
• Reconciles and remits payments for post-payroll third party vendor liabilities
• Responds to employee questions regarding payroll checks, deductions, and tax withholdings
• Reconciles, creates, and verifies W-2s and W-3s
• Processes amended payrolls for tax reporting purposes
• Reconciles the third-party liability payments to the County’s general ledger
• Completes complex benefit deduction reconciliations for retirement contributions (VRS)
• Aids in testing and set up of new pay codes and deduction codes
• Creates ad hoc reports and trains end users on standard payroll reports
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques relevant to administering a complex payroll system;
• Knowledge of bookkeeping terminology and methods;
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Thorough knowledge of payroll tax law;
• Intermediate- or advanced-level skills in Microsoft Excel;
• Ability to audit and maintain complex payroll records and to prepare payroll reports accurately;
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions;
• Ability to interact diplomatically with co-workers and County leaders;
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Required Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited university or college with coursework in business, finance, or accounting, and 4 years of experience with payroll processing or financial reporting.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Experience with ADP solutions is preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an indoor office setting at a computer workstation.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Employees must possess a valid driver’s license and meet the qualifications of the County’s driver eligibility program. Occasional travel between County facilities or to off-site meetings may be required.

Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $30.60 - $33.83 per hour (approximately $63,664 - $70,366 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Remote Work:

This role is designated as hybrid-eligible, allowing employees to perform a portion of their work remotely, in accordance with organizational policy and operational requirements. On-site presence may be required for meetings, collaboration, or business needs as determined by management. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Application Deadline:

October 26, 2026

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a V3 certified organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.