Strategic Public Sector Payroll Lead

City of Raleigh Finance; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Raleigh Finance Department is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll operations for the city’s workforce. You will apply your payroll knowledge to support runs, reconciliations, and employee transactions.

This role emphasizes compliance with payroll policies and laws, audit support, and process improvements, with opportunities to grow skills through collaboration and cross-training within a mission-driven public service environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or 2 years of college in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, and 1 to 3 years' experience in billing, accounting, payroll, or a related field
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end payroll processing, data verification, audits, and corrections to ensure accurate, timely pay
• Manage garnishments, child support orders, terminations/separations, and retirements with precision
• Support payroll-related account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare payroll spreadsheets, reports, and documentation that are audit-ready
• Respond to employee and department inquiries about payroll matters and escalate when needed
• Assist with internal audits and compliance reviews of payroll policies and laws
• Maintain confidential payroll records in line with retention policies
• Take on related fiscal and administrative duties supporting the Payroll Division and city financial goals

Skills

Payroll principles

Data analysis

Recordkeeping

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Associate's degree or 2 years of college in business/finance

1–3 years of payroll or related experience

Tools

Payroll software

General accounting software

Job description

The City of Raleigh Finance Department is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll operations for the city’s workforce. You will apply your payroll knowledge to support runs, reconciliations, and employee transactions.

This role emphasizes compliance with payroll policies and laws, audit support, and process improvements, with opportunities to grow skills through collaboration and cross-training within a mission-driven public service environment.