Payroll Analyst

Company : City of Goodyear

Title : Payroll Analyst

PR : $30-50/hr

Job type: Full-Time Ongoing Contract (fully benefits and weekly pay day 1)

Location : Onsite at City of Goodyear

Job Description Summary

This temporary position will assist with the reallocation of resources to support implementation of a new Human Resources Information System and Human Capital Management (HRIS/HCM) system for an anticipated 12-24 month period. The position provides payroll processing and analytical support to maintain daily operations while existing payroll staff dedicate time to system implementation. This position is a temporary, full-time role that is eligible for benefits, including eligibility for ASRS, for the duration of the assignment. Contingent upon available funding and budget approval, the position may convert to a regular full-time, benefited position in Fiscal Year 2028. Conversion is not guaranteed.

Performs technical, analytical, and accounting duties in the processing of the full cycle in-house municipal payroll, working with highly sensitive and confidential employee information. Responsibilities include payroll calculations and review, timekeeping, deductions and remittances, payroll reconciliations, tax reporting, employee assistance, and process documentation. Supports system implementation through data validation, testing, and transition activities while maintaining accurate payroll processing and meeting established deadlines.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has five years of experience processing full-cycle municipal payroll, including review of employee changes, timesheets, retroactive pay, termination payouts, leave accruals, payroll liabilities, and quarterly and annual reporting. Municipal payroll experience, including police and fire pay rules, varied schedules, and Memorandums of Understanding, is highly preferred. The candidate demonstrates strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, proficiency in Excel, and the ability to explain payroll issues clearly. Experience with Tyler Munis, electronic timekeeping systems, payroll system testing, and data validation is desirable.

Essential Functions

The following functions describe the key responsibilities of the position and are not intended to identify all duties. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Calculates, processes, reviews, and prepares biweekly payrolls, direct deposit files, and paychecks within established deadlines and approval controls. Processes supplemental and off-cycle payments as needed.
• Reviews timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and required approvals. Coordinates with employees, supervisors, and timekeepers to resolve missing or inconsistent entries and ensure employees are paid accurately and timely.
• Reviews employee changes and imported timekeeping data for payroll impacts. Applies established pay rules, City policies, and Memorandums of Understanding, including requirements for varied schedules and police and fire payroll.
• Performs complex payroll calculations and adjustments, including corrected timesheets, retroactive pay, tax adjustments, and final termination payments. Reviews leave accruals and balances and resolves discrepancies.
• Reviews and analyzes payroll reports, investigates errors and unusual results, documents findings, and makes authorized corrections. Escalates unresolved issues or concerns that may affect accuracy, compliance, or deadlines.
• Calculates, reconciles, and remits payroll withholding liabilities, including federal and state taxes, retirement contributions, deferred compensation, garnishments, and other authorized deductions. Prepares and transmits files to applicable agencies and providers.
• Maintains exception logs for rejected or unresolved payroll remittances and coordinates with Human Resources and applicable providers to resolve discrepancies and support timely reporting.
• Completes payroll posting to the general ledger, reconciles payroll records and related balances, and coordinates with Accounting to resolve discrepancies within assigned responsibilities.
• Reconciles, prepares, and files W-2s, Forms 941, and related payroll tax reports in accordance with established review procedures and filing deadlines. Reconciles and reports workers' compensation liability quarterly.
• Researches payroll tax, retirement, and other requirements affecting payroll administration. Applies approved changes and brings questions or potential compliance concerns to the Payroll Manager.
• Responds to employee questions regarding pay, direct deposit, leave accruals, deductions, and corrections. Protects confidential employee records and communicates sensitive payroll matters with professionalism.
• Documents payroll procedures and assists with staff training and cross-training to maintain operational coverage during implementation. Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Assists with payroll data review and cleanup for system implementation. Compares source records and reports, identifies missing or inconsistent data, and documents items requiring correction or follow-up.
• Participates in assigned system testing, including validation of payroll calculations, timekeeping imports, deductions, accruals, interfaces, and reports. Compares test results with expected results, documents discrepancies, and retests approved corrections.
• Works collaboratively with Payroll, Human Resources, Accounting, Information Technology, and City departments to resolve payroll issues and support system changes while meeting operational deadlines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

• 3 years experience in municipal payroll (full cycle)