Payroll And Accounting Manager

City Hall

Full time

JR6344

Position Title:

Payroll And Accounting Manager

Job Description:

This position manages all payroll operations in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, accounting and financial management standards, internal reporting, policies, annual tax filings, benefit-related payroll transactions, reconciliations, internal controls, and procedures, while ensuring accurate and timely employee paychecks.

The position works closely with Human Resources, employees, managers, auditors, and external agencies to ensure payroll records are accurate and payroll obligations are properly reported and paid.

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$81,624 - $141,274

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Supervises payroll staff. Participates in the recruitment and hiring of employees, making recommendations on employee discipline and other human resources issues, including evaluating and managing performance, facilitating positive resolutions, promoting positive morale, ensuring staff is appropriately trained for maximum performance, and providing leadership and guidance.

• Assists with the implementation, evaluation, and interpretation of department policies, projects, and procedures, including citywide implementation and use of the City’s timekeeping system.

• Provides customer service by responding to information requests, conducting research, and provides solutions to complex payroll problems. Responds to management questions.

• Leads testing of payroll scenarios within the ERP system.

• Provides input into new deduction and benefit pay codes.

• Ensures W-2 reporting is timely, accurate, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Reviews processes and leads continuous improvement efforts for payroll and documentation compliance.

• Provides training to Payroll Team and to department personnel.

• Assists with implementation and evaluation of accounts payable and contract process.

• Assists and provides expertise in financial systems citywide.

• Serves as department documentation manager. Provides expertise on record retention and compliance.

• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll concerns.

• Manage and oversee the preparation and processing of regular, supplemental, off-cycle, and special payrolls.

• Prepare and file quarterly IRS Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return.

• Reconcile Form 941 wages, Social Security wages, Medicare wages, federal income tax withholding, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax to payroll records and the general ledger.

• Reconcile payroll liabilities, including federal and state withholding taxes, Social Security, Medicare, retirement contributions, insurance deductions, garnishments, and other employee deductions.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field plus four years’ payroll processing and bookkeeping experience. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Proficiency in accounting and knowledge of budgetary requirements, IRS regulations, and Utah Retirement System compliance.

• Knowledge of payroll systems, accounting database programs, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

• Ability to communicate and interact effectively both orally and in writing with supervisors, city employees, administrators, and outside professional auditors and contractors.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.

• Advanced knowledge and experience working with IRS Forms 941 and related federal payroll tax deposit requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Light physical effort. Comfortable working conditions in office environment. Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking.

• Considerable exposure to stress as a result of stringent reporting deadlines and as a result of human behavior.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Finance

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism.

We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.

If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.

Health & Wellness

• Medical insurance

• Dental, vision, life insurance

• HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

• Wellness clinic for employees & families

• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

• Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

• Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?

Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.

We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.

• 12 vacation days to start

• 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

• Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

• 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699

Or email: [email protected]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.