Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The City of Anaheim Finance Department seeks an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee the City's payroll office. The Payroll Manager will supervise, assign, review, and participate in the work of technical and clerical staff. Duties include the timely processing and distribution of payroll, general ledger information, payroll tax and other deduction output; provide indirect supervision to the distributed payroll processing function; ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and perform the more technical and complex tasks. The Payroll Manager is responsible for the payroll services for the City of 3,300 full and part time employees. Candidates must possess four years of responsible professional journey-level payroll and payroll accounting experience supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Possession of a Certification as a Payroll Professional by the American Payroll Association with 18 or more Continuing Education Units (CEU) earned in the last two years is highly desirable. Experience administering payroll for a municipal government and knowledge of CalPERS payroll reporting is highly desired.

Essential Functions

Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for providing efficient City-wide payroll services; ensure that all City employees are paid accurately and on established pay dates in compliance with federal, state, and bargaining unit laws, rules and regulations. Establish schedules and methods for providing payroll services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly. Participate in the development and implementation of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; maintain and update on-line payroll policies and procedures manuals. Ensure City employees responsible for department payroll input and maintenance are properly trained on current and new procedures on a regular, on-going basis.

Analyze complex financial data and prepare federal and state reports regarding income tax withholding; ensure that all payroll related taxes are deposited in an accurate and timely manner, and in accordance with the procedures issued by federal, state government, and social security administration; remain current on changing tax regulations regarding employee compensation. Ensure that electronic bank and other financial institution automated transmissions are accurate and completed within established deadlines. Ensure that the CALPERS pension plan extracts are accurate and filed timely; respond to retirement inquiries and discrepancy notices; participate in audit responses and action plans; maintain matrix of authorized users for input, approval and pick up of checks/vouchers within the City. Identify payroll requirements when new pay policies, pay systems and/or benefits are implemented; determine the most effective implementation strategy to meet program and City needs and requirements. Properly execute employee instructions regarding voluntary pay deductions within legally defined parameters; supervise the preparation of reports and the payment of miscellaneous deductions. Initiate, identify, and participate in the development, coordination and implementation of payroll system enhancements as necessary; participate in coordinating the maintenance and documentation of personnel/payroll system data; analyze and implement workflow recommendations. Audit and balance computer output related to payroll activities. Create new pay and deduction event codes in the computer system; test and provide test results for review before implementation; work with system administrator to run full test cycle in test environment. Maintain records concerning operations and programs; prepare reports on operations and activities. Coordinate activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Deputy Finance Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Participate in the selection of payroll staff; provide or coordinate staff training; prepare performance evaluations and develop effect performance improvement plans as necessary; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of payroll; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs. Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Experience and Education: Four years of responsible professional journey-level payroll accounting experience supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive payroll program; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations; modern and complex principles and practices of payroll data processing systems and procedures including Automated Clearing House (ACH) and electronic payment transactions; salary reduction plans including IRC 127, 457, and 414(h)(2); laws and procedures for wage garnishments, including federal and state creditor garnishments; retirement plan reporting that includes enrollment, appropriate wage earnings, contributions, and separations; methods and legal requirements of payroll processing; accounting principles and practices; basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations including tax laws, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and reporting procedures. Ability to: Coordinate and direct payroll programs; supervise, organize, and review the work of assigned staff involved in payroll activities; select, train, and evaluate staff; recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures for providing payroll services; understand the organization and operation of the organization and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; prepare clear and concise reports; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; effectively manage processes of a complex payroll system; recommend and follow through on performance improvement strategies for assigned employees; recommend and implement disciplinary processes; conduct effective research and analyze and evaluate new program techniques, methods, and procedures; make sound recommendations and develop appropriate implementation strategies; file all required tax reports within time parameters established by state and federal government; prepare and present clear training to staff and City department payroll clerks regarding changes in laws, policies and/or procedures; prepare materials that are understood by participants and ensure changes are implemented properly; effectively prioritize multiple orders and process orders originating out of state; work independently; exercise good judgment; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit; work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. Possession of a Certification as a Payroll Professional by the American Payroll Association with 18 or more Continuing Education Units (CEU) earned in the last two years is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. The selection process may consist of a minimum of skills examination and oral interview. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method. Equal Opportunity Employer