Payroll Specialist

Salary: $33.95 - $37.31 Hourly
Location : City of Blaine, City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-48
Department: Finance
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: 10/8/2026 4:30 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Description


Under general supervision and direction of the Assistant Finance Director, this person is responsible for the preparation and distribution of payroll including all associated payroll functions and reports. Responsibilities also include maintaining cash receipts and accounts receivable records and assisting with the utility billing function of the City.

Examples of Duties


These examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all inclusive. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform computer/data processing activities including data entry for the city's payroll function.
• Provide information, assistance, and explanation on payroll matters to employees and the public.
• Process the payroll, resolve payroll problems, manage payroll adjustments, and calculate separation pay.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports required for federal, state, and other governmental agencies (FICA, PERA, insurance, unions).
• Balance, sort, and distribute payroll reports, W2s, and year-end payroll reports.
• Create, update, and maintain employee records on salary, benefits, deductions, ABTs, vacation and sick leave usage, COBRA/Chapter 488 benefits, etc.
• Prepare audit reports and schedules and compile and disseminate other financial reports and information as directed.
• Use routine and complex features of word processing, spreadsheet and database packages.
• Enter and balance daily cash receipts.
• Maintain escrow, deposit and invoice records.
• Provide training and mentorship to other finance department staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and facilitating knowledge transfer of complex payroll issues.
• Backup other finance functions, including utility billing and accounts payable.
• Perform other payroll activities including the calculation of FLSA for overtime pay purposes, assisting with the annual workers compensation audit, and reconciling payroll activity to bank activity.
• Administer the electronic timekeeping system.
• Research City policy, union agreements, separation agreements, and any other related sources to ensure proper pay.
• Provide technical and administrative assistance to city personnel by producing various payroll reports, research payroll, and compensation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting practices and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of payroll functions and operations.
• Thorough knowledge of data processing practices and procedures.
• Skill, ability, and proficiency in spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Skill and efficiency in the operation of office and data processing equipment and calculator.
• Ability to perform clerical accounting work requiring accuracy, speed, and repetitive activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the public.
• Ability to deal tactfully, confidently, and effectively with all City personnel, outside agencies, and the public, both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate data processing functions for Microsoft Office based personal computer.
• Ability to perform general clerical work requiring confidentiality, concentration, organization, and judgment in interpreting practices and procedures to meet problems.

Supplemental Information
Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year of progressively responsible experience in payroll and/or accounting.
• One year of experience in spreadsheet applications.

Desirable Requirements

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Two years of experience in a payroll capacity.
• Municipal experience as a payroll specialist/clerk.
• Experience with Tyler Technologies Operating System.

Supervision of Others

• N/A

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, reading and repetitive motions.
• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force very infrequently to move objects.

Conditions of Employment

• Must possess a valid Class D driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must successfully complete a PD background check, drivers check and reference check.

Application Materials

• To complete an application please click on the green apply button at the top of this posting.
• For a paper application stop at City Hall, located at 10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449, and request a paper copy from Human Resources.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
We offer an excellent comprehensive benefit package for full time employees. Including paid vacation, sick leave, medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, retirement benefits, educational assistance, employer paid employee assistance program, Flex Spending, Post Retirement Health Care, optional deferred compensation and short term disability.


CITY CONTRIBUTION
For 2026, the City contributes $1,590.00 per month for each full-time employee to apply towards the benefits offered through the cafeteria plan if electing medical coverage. For 2026, the City contributes $804.50 per month for each full-time employee if medical coverage is waived. The City's contribution is pro-rated for part-time employees.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
The City of Blaine offers a full cafeteria plan. All full-time probationary and regular City employees are eligible to participate. Single coverage is part of the core, but if the employee so elects, he/she may include his/her dependents on a family policy. Employees may choose from five options under HealthPartners. Coverage becomes effective the first of the month following date of hire for both employee and employee+ policies. The following are the monthly premiums for each plan:

HealthPartners (1/1/2026)

Group #5602

Copay - Open Access Network

2500HSA, Aggregate - Open Access Network

3400HSA,

Open Access Network

3400HSA,

Rx - Open

Access Network

5000HSA,

Rx - Open

Access Network

Employee

$1,397.50

$1,072.50

$1,042.50

$1,070.50

$983.00

Employee + Spouse

$2,936.00

$2,252.50

$2,190.50

$2,249.00

$2,064.50

Employee + Child(ren)

$2,796.50

$2,145.50

$2,086.00

$2,142.00

$1,966.00

Family

$3,635.00

$2,788.50

$2,711.50

$2,784.50

$2,556.00
2500HSA, Aggregate - Perform Network

3400HSA,

Perform Network

3400HSA,

Rx - Perform Network

5000HSA,

Rx - Perform Network

Employee

N/A

$1,051.00

$1,021.50

$1,049.00

$963.50

Employee + Spouse

N/A

$2,207.50

$2,146.50

$2,204.00

$2,023.00

Employee + Child(ren)

N/A

$2102.50

$2,044.50

$2,099.00

$1,926.50

Family

N/A

$2,732.50

$2,657.50

$2,729.00

$2,505.00
2500HSA, Aggregate - Achieve Network

3400HSA,

Achieve Network

3400HSA,

Rx - Achieve Network

5000HSA,

Rx - Achieve Network

Employee

N/A

$1,008.00

$980.00

$1,006.50

$924.00

Employee + Spouse

N/A

$2,117.50

$2,059.00

$2,114.00

$1,940.50

Employee + Child(ren)

N/A

$2,017.00

$1,961.00

$2,013.50

$1,848.00

Family

N/A

$2,621.00

$2,549.00

$2,617.50

$2,402.50
2500HSA, Aggregate - Select Network

3400HSA,

Select Network

3400HSA,

Rx - Select Network

5000HSA,

Rx - Select Network

Employee

N/A

$911.50

$866.00

$910.00

$835.50

Employee + Spouse

N/A

$1,914.50

$1,862.00

$1,911.50

$1,755.00

Employee + Child(ren)

N/A

$1,823.50

$1,773.00

$1,820.50

$1,671.00

Family

N/A

$2,370.00

$2,305.00

$2,367.00

$2,172.50
DENTAL INSURANCE Single dental insurance is part of the core, but family dental insurance is available. All full-time probationary and regular employees are eligible. This dental insurance becomes effective on the first of the month following date of hire. The monthly premiums for single and family coverage is:
PLAN

SINGLE

DEPENDENT/FAMILY
HealthPartners

$57.75

$113.07

LIFE INSURANCE
Basic life in the amount of $50,000 is part of the core. All full-time probationary and regular City employees are provided with a term life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy.
PLAN

RATE
Lincoln Financial

$8.50

ADDITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE
Available for family members of all full-time probationary and regular employees at low group rates from Lincoln Financial and/or PERA Life. Specific regulations apply.


LONG-TERM DISABILITY
All active full-time employees who work 40 hours a week are eligible to participate in the long-term disability (LTD) plan.


RETIREMENT
Retirement benefits are those of a coordinated plan which combines the benefits of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) with regular Social Security benefits. The employee contributes 6.50% of total annual earnings to PERA. The city contributes 7.50% of the employee's annual earnings to PERA. The employee also contributes the mandatory social security contribution which is matched by the City.


EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
All regular full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement upon satisfactory completion of approved work-related educational courses offered by accredited institutions.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
All regular full-time employees may participate in an Employee Assistance Program through HealthPartners at the City's expense. In certain instances, this benefit extends to the employee's immediate family as well.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
All full-time probationary and regular employees are eligible to participate in a pre-tax savings program through payroll deduction.

HEALTH SAVING ACCOUNTS and/or FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
All full-time probationary and regular employees are eligible to participate in the City's pre-tax health savings account and/or flexible spending accounts for medical/dental/vision expenses and/or dependent care costs. Specific rules and regulations govern use and eligibility.

POST EMPLOYMENT HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN (HCSP)
The city has implemented the Minnesota State Retirement System HCSP, which requires employees to save money on a pre-tax basis to pay medical expenses and/or health insurance premiums after termination of public service.


HOLIDAYS
The following eleven paid holidays will be observed by the city:
New Year's Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Presidents Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Day

Floating Holiday (used upon supervisory approval)

VACATION
Vacation leave is accrued by all regular full-time employees.

SICK LEAVE
Sick leave is accrued by all full-time employees at the rate of four hours per pay period with a maximum accumulation of 960 hours. A minimum of one hour must be used per occurrence.


BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
All probationary and regular employees are eligible for bereavement leave upon the death of an immediate family member. Employees may convert up to four days of sick leave per occurrence.
01


Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have one year of progressively responsible experience in payroll and/or accounting?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have one year of experience in spreadsheet applications?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have an associate's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have two years of experience in a payroll capacity?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have municipal experience as a payroll specialist/clerk?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have experience with Tyler Technologies Operating System?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you applying for Veteran's Preference Points?

• Yes, Non-Disabled Veteran
• Yes - Disabled Veteran
• Yes - Spouse of Disabled Veteran
• Yes - Spouse of Deceased Veteran(you are ineligible to receive points if you have remarried or were divorced from the veteran)
• Yes - Spouse of Disabled Deceased Veteran(you are ineligible to receive points if you have remarried or were divorced from the veteran)
• No

09


How did you learn about this position?

• Website
• I am a Current Employee
• Referral

Required Question