Senior Payroll Specialist

City of Mesa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mesa is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to lead advanced payroll processing, data setup, and reporting in the HRM system for bi-weekly and related payments. This paraprofessional role also involves training staff and providing subject-matter expertise in payroll operations.

The position requires 5+ years of payroll experience, strong ERP payroll knowledge, and the ability to explain complex payroll information.

Qualifications

• Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED.
• Extensive (5+ years) payroll experience.

Responsibilities

• Process and review payroll using the HRM system, including retroactive deductions, garnishments, and benefit withholdings.
• Set up, verify, and process payroll data; handle vendor interfaces/payments and tax withholdings.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts and prepare related journal entries and reports.
• Provide instruction and guidance for Payroll Specialists in complex payroll matters; answer questions via in-person, email, or phone.

Skills

Payroll experience (5+ years)

ERP systems experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

First review of applications will be Monday, October 5, 2026, and weekly thereafter until filled.

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a paraprofessional class responsible for performing a variety of technical and professional duties involved in the processing of the City\'s bi-payroll and may provide guidance and direction for Payroll Specialists. Duties include setting up, compiling, verifying, and processing payroll related data in the HRM system including vendor/agency payments, termination pay, retro deductions, PSPRS estimates, retroactive deductions and vendor interfaces/payments; entering withholding data, direct deposit requests, deductions and employee information into the payroll system; invoice employees for payroll related amounts due, reconcile employees’ accounts receivable (A/R) balances and respective balance sheet accounts; processing, reviewing and correcting retroactive payments and deductions; reconciling payroll general ledger accounts and processing journal entries to record activity; formulating payroll-related reports and/or records both manually and utilizing computer programs/systems; researching, compiling, and analyzing statistical reports, audits, and other payroll related data; reviewing and analyzing payroll reports for issues and determining and completing adjustments to resolve issues; reconciling and transmitting files and payments for taxes, deferred compensation, retirement plans, and garnishments; conducting training classes on payroll related topics; communicating with departments and employees regarding new hires, pay rates, benefits, leave accruals, etc.; and assisting customers by e-mail/phone or in person at the front desk in Payroll with payroll-related questions regarding tax withholding, direct deposit, leave accruals, etc. Employees in this class must possess advanced technical knowledge related to payroll processing, procedures, and practices; have the ability to explain and interpret complex payroll-related information; work independently and without specific instructions and regularly exercise independent judgment in making decisions regarding the disposition of payroll matters. This class performs related duties as required.

This class is distinguished from the Payroll Specialist class by the more advanced technical and complex nature of the work performed, higher-level problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as serving as a subject matter expert for Payroll Specialists. This class may be attained by noncompetitive promotion upon demonstrating proficiency as a Payroll Specialist, including being employed a minimum of one year as a City of Mesa Payroll Specialist and having successfully completed original City probation. In addition, the incumbent must meet established work standards, demonstrate the level of competency necessary to independently perform assigned tasks, and meet the minimum qualifications of a Senior Payroll Specialist classification. Minimal supervision is received from professional-level accounting staff through observation, reports, conferences, and meetings, and work is reviewed for completeness and adherence to department policies and standards. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Employee Values

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City\'s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Extensive (5+ years) payroll experience.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Supplemental coursework or training in payroll is preferred. Experience processing payroll using an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and experience with and personal computer (PC) software applications (example: Excel, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat) is highly desirable.