What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Manager position at City of Grand Prairie?
We are looking for a Payroll Manager to join our Finance team!
The purpose of this position is to direct, supervise, coordinate, and participate in all activities related to the City’s payroll function including administration of timekeeping systems, preparation and review of tax and other reports related to payroll activities, implementation of periodic City-wide salary and benefits changes, preparation of a variety of reports, schedules, and reconciliations for internal management and auditors as requested. Ensure compliance with applicable City, State, Federal and local laws, rules and regulations. This position is required to work as an essential employee during emergencies or disaster as needed.
The Payroll Manager oversees daily payroll operations by supporting Payroll Coordinators, resolving system and payment errors, reconciling reports, and evaluating process efficiency for improvement. Work is performed under the general direction of the Controller with other duties as assigned
Supervisory/Lead
The purpose of this position is to direct, supervise, coordinate, and participate in all activities related to the City’s payroll function including administration of timekeeping systems, preparation and review of tax and other reports related to payroll activities, implementation of periodic City-wide salary and benefits changes, preparation of a variety of reports, schedules, and reconciliations for internal management and auditors as requested. Ensure compliance with applicable City, State, Federal and local laws, rules and regulations. This position is required to work as an essential employee during emergencies or disaster as needed.
The Payroll Manager oversees daily payroll operations by supporting Payroll Coordinators, resolving system and payment errors, reconciling reports, and evaluating process efficiency for improvement. Work is performed under the general direction of the Controller with other duties as assigned
Supervisory/Lead
- Lead and guide payroll staff, overseeing responsibilities and serving as backup for payroll processing, reconciliations, and reporting.
- Direct and approve payroll records, including registers, time tracking, tax withholdings, and annual W-2s.
- Ensure compliance with policies and laws; provide coaching, training, and performance feedback while maintaining payroll systems.
- Review payroll and general ledger reports with the Controller to ensure accuracy.
- Troubleshoot escalated payroll discrepancies with vendors, IT, HR, and departments.
- Respond to inquiries and analyze transactions to recommend adjustments as needed.
- Support year-end audit preparation by gathering data and compiling schedules for inclusion in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
- Perform account analysis and reconciliations; verify and correct payroll and financial records.
- Partner with HR on payroll matters including new hires, terminations, benefits, and leave payouts.
- Communicate payroll policies and ensure consistent understanding citywide.
- Provide training on payroll and procedures; monitor regulatory changes to maintain compliance.
- Stay current with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations; communicate changes and recommend necessary compliance actions.
- Prepare payroll-related reports, correspondence, and records; maintain files per retention requirements.
- Provide administrative and accounting support as needed.
- Maintain regular attendance and perform other duties as assigned.
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree and or equivalent experience in lieu of
- Experience: Minimum three to five years prior payroll processing, preferably in the public sector
- Certifications Required: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) highly desirable within 24 months of hire or promotion to position.