Payroll Manager

Job Title

Payroll Administrator

Job Description

Administers the City's central payroll function and guides management in financial decision making.

Examples Of Job Functions

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Administers Citywide payroll HRMS functions and works as a liaison with IT and application vendors to manage program applications. Troubleshoots reports and databases, reconciles reporting errors, and makes recommendations within the highest levels of government in guiding decision making.
• Ensures that employee payroll deductions including taxes, court-ordered deductions, benefits, and deferred compensation are accurately processed and remitted to the correct destinations.
• Reports and files payroll information and taxes with other governmental agencies, and prepares and distributes W-2 forms to all employees.
• Designs and directs special HRMS projects that target payroll transactions, and researches and analyzes system issues. Tests and evaluates reporting for outcomes and efficiencies; streamlines processes, establishes processes and protocols, and performs complex financial calculations.
• Develops policies and procedures that affect payroll administration. Ensures operational units comply with reporting requirements and maintains fiscal accountability with regard to rules, regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Designs and directs systems configurations for payroll HRMS, including the customization of applications and modules, querying reports, ensuring data integrity, troubleshooting, researching, and implementing solutions, administering security authorizations, and communicating and training staff on systems changes and report processes.
• Audits and corrects departmental payroll entries and employee paychecks, and recommends corrective actions or processes. Works with external auditors to support the annual audit process.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates subordinate professional and technical employees. Establishes performance requirements, completes annual performance reviews, and recommends discipline as necessary. Makes effective recommendations in hiring and promotional processes.
• Inspects subordinates' work for compliance with standards. Reviews work upon completion for adherence to guidelines and the standards, and provides necessary feedback.
• Trains staff on payroll HRMS functions and processes.
• Researches and reconciles complex discrepancies in journal and accounting transactions, creates reports and compiles supporting documents for corrections, and guides staff and management through corrective actions.
• Provides complex and specialized information and assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Reviews new federal, state, and local legislation for its impact on current business processes or operations, and recommends actions to management.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Experience: Five years of professional experience in payroll administration.
• Equivalency: We accept equivalent combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E).

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and form will be emailed to qualified applicants on September 16th, 2026. The testing window is September 17th – 21st.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (View email address on click.appcast.io) .

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Benefit Compensation Value

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667.

Insurance Benefits

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment. Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical: Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected. Vision: Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected. Dental: Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents. Life Insurance - Employee Only: Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full. Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s): Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full. Long-Term Disability Insurance: Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account: The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC: Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit: AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs. LegalShield/ID Shield: Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract. Pet Insurance: Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll. Voluntary Term Life Insurance: Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Continued Medical/Dental Insurance: Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.

Retirement Benefits: Spokane Employees' Retirement System: The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City