What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Manager position at City of Overland Park?
**Relocation Assistance Available**
About the Company
Why Work For Overland Park? Employment with the City provides an opportunity to connect with the community while working on meaningful projects that impact lives every day. Learn more about our core values and how City staff support one another to make Overland Park a great place to live, work, and play.
About the Role
Manages the City Payroll Division. Responsible for the accurate and timely administration of all payroll functions, including wage payments, payroll tax compliance, pay adjustments, and related reporting. Oversees the Payroll Coordinator and ensures compliance with City policies, desktop procedures, and federal/state regulations. Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of payroll data, and collaborates across departments to ensure operational efficiency and accountability.
*Relocation Assistance Available*
On-site office role: Daily physical on-site presence in the office, consistent attendance, and reliable punctuality are essential functions of this position. Any changes or adjustments to your assigned work schedule or shift hours must be approved by your supervisor in advance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plans, coordinates, and manages activities of the Payroll Coordinator in the payroll process. Assigns duties, evaluates performance, provides training, and sets priorities.
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), with strong payroll processing knowledge, ensuring accurate data management and system integrity.
- Independently generate, analyze, and interpret HRIS and payroll-related reports to support departmental functions, compliance, audits, and strategic decision-making.
- Responsible for accurate and timely processing of all employee pay, ensuring compliance with City procedures, state, and federal laws.
- Ensures accuracy and timeliness of annual pay changes for Judges, City Council Members, and the City Manager.
- Oversees all payroll tax payments and filings, ensuring completion as outlined in desktop procedures and prior to due dates.
- Conducts internal audits of payroll deductions, including but not limited to health benefit deductions, OGLI, retirement, and taxes, on a bi-weekly basis during non-payroll weeks unless otherwise specified.
- Confirms payroll for terminated employees and ensures timely termination of benefits. Processes payments from retired benefit-eligible employees weekly.
- Ensures all City payroll-related bills and obligations are paid before the due date or as specified in procedures, whichever occurs first, no late fees or past-due notices are acceptable.
- Ensures team coverage and cross-training so that payroll processing, bill payment, and other essential functions continue uninterrupted during absences.
- Maintains compliance with KPERS and KP&F requirements to avoid penalties or operational disruptions.
- Ensures Municipal Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) dates are current and accurately maintained in the HRIS system.
- Process payment to retirement accounts, including matching contributions.
- Verifies that retirement reconciliations and deductions are accurate and processed correctly each pay period.
- Completes assigned project tasks by established deadlines.
- Evaluates and responds immediately to payroll and benefits issues via email or other appropriate communication.
- Collaborates with benefits supervisors to ensure vendors are paid timely and accurate invoice reconciliation and payment.
- Administers payroll audits and prepares specialized reports for management and state/federal agencies.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of employee and payroll data in accordance with City and legal standards.
- Promotes the Human Resources Department as an employee service center, providing timely and accurate information to employees and retirees. Referring to policies and city documents.
- Follows the City Payroll Process Schedule, Payroll Calendar and procedure manual as outlined, meeting all due dates, adhering to established workflows, and using approved processes.
- Directs and coordinates miscellaneous and special payroll projects as assigned by the Deputy and Chief Human Resources Officer.
- Delegates appropriately to payroll coordinator and training.
Qualifications
EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Bachelorโs degree in accounting, business, finance, or taxation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- SPHR/PHR,SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or certification in payroll preferred
EXPERIENCE:
- 6 to 8 years of experience in payroll management, payroll accounting, or related personnel management.
- Prior experience in local government or a public-sector environment preferred.
SKILLS:
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail in payroll processing, tax reporting, and reconciliation.
- Comprehensive understanding of payroll laws, tax requirements, KPERS, KP&F and retirement plan compliance.
- Proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS, and Microsoft Office.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lead, train, and mentor the Payroll Coordinator.
- High level of confidentiality and professional judgment.
More details available at: https://www.opkansas.org/about-overland-park/careers/
Equal Opportunity Statement
The City of Overland Park is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Salary : $102,115 - $142,960