HRIS & Payroll Specialist

Performs responsible and complex technical and professional work in the administration of the City’s HRIS, payroll, and related human resources operations.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs specialized technical and administrative work supporting the City's Human Resources Information System (HRIS), payroll, and related human resources operations. The employee is responsible for administering HRIS functions, processing payroll and payroll‑related personnel transactions, maintaining employee data, and ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of human resources and payroll records. Work includes applying considerable knowledge of payroll administration, HRIS functionality, employee benefits, leave administration, wage and hour laws, and applicable federal and state regulations to ensure compliance with legal requirements and City policies. The employee serves as the primary HRIS resource for the organization, providing technical support and guidance to employees, supervisors, and department representatives regarding payroll, timekeeping, personnel actions, annual evaluations, employee self‑service, benefits, and other HRIS‑related functions. The position works collaboratively with Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and departmental staff to ensure the accurate and timely processing of employee compensation and personnel information while identifying opportunities to improve business processes, reporting capabilities, and system efficiency. Work requires considerable independent judgment, exceptional attention to detail, analytical ability, and the exercise of discretion in handling highly confidential information. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director and is evaluated through the accuracy, timeliness, effectiveness, and compliance of work performed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews, audits, and processes employee pay and leave records to ensure the accuracy of timesheets, leave usage, overtime, premium pay, and payroll transactions; ensures compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal and state payroll laws, and City policies; coordinates payroll funding and account distributions with the Finance Department. Prepares, processes, and balances biweekly, 28-day, and monthly payrolls, including payroll adjustments, retroactive pay, final pay calculations, supplements, deductions, and other compensation‑related transactions. Processes personnel actions affecting employee status, compensation, position assignments, leave, tax withholdings, direct deposit, wage garnishments, and benefit deductions while maintaining accurate employee and payroll records. Administers the City's Human Resources Information System (HRIS), serving as the primary system administrator by troubleshooting system issues, researching and resolving technical and functional problems, testing system enhancements, maintaining data integrity, providing user support and training, and identifying opportunities to improve business processes, system functionality, and operational efficiency. Serves as the City's HRIS subject matter expert by providing technical support, user training, troubleshooting system issues, testing software updates, participating in system implementations, and recommending process improvements to enhance operational efficiency. Maintains data integrity through regular audits, reconciliations, data analysis, report generation, and validation of HRIS and payroll information. Assists with the administration of employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), workers' compensation, military leave, and other leave programs; monitors leave balances and notifies the Human Resources Director of discrepancies or compliance concerns. Administers payroll‑related benefit transactions, including voluntary and involuntary deductions, retiree insurance premiums, benefit reconciliations, and coordination with benefit providers to ensure accurate payroll processing. Collects, analyzes, and maintains payroll, personnel, and compliance data; prepares required payroll reports and ensures timely completion of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including W‑2 and Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting. Responds to employee and departmental inquiries regarding payroll, compensation, benefits, HRIS functions, and applicable policies; researches and resolves payroll discrepancies while providing exceptional customer service. Collaborates with the Finance Department, Information Technology, department managers, auditors, retirement system representatives, and external agencies to ensure accurate payroll administration, regulatory compliance, and successful completion of audits and reporting requirements. Assists with classification and compensation studies, salary administration, performance evaluation administration, personnel reporting, and other human resources initiatives and special projects. Maintains payroll and personnel files in accordance with applicable records retention requirements. Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of human resources administration, payroll principles and practices, compensation administration, leave management, employee benefits, and personnel transactions. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), payroll tax requirements, retirement system regulations, and other laws governing public sector payroll and human resources administration. Knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), payroll systems, Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, databases, and other office technologies used to administer payroll, personnel, and human resources functions. Knowledge of departmental operations, organizational structure, and municipal government administration. Skill in using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), payroll software, Microsoft Excel, and other business software to process transactions, analyze data, generate reports, and maintain accurate employee records. Skill in customer service, critical thinking, problem‑solving, and process improvement to effectively resolve payroll and HRIS issues while delivering responsive and professional service to employees and departments. Ability to accurately process, audit, reconcile, and maintain payroll, personnel, and HRIS records; research, analyze, interpret, and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; prepare reports, perform mathematical calculations, resolve payroll and HRIS issues, and recommend process improvements while maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance. Ability to troubleshoot HRIS and payroll system issues, test system enhancements, support software implementations, and provide technical assistance and training to system users. Ability to organize work, establish priorities, manage multiple assignments, consistently meet critical payroll processing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment while maintaining strict confidentiality. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, and City employees; deal effectively with the public in a tactful and effective manner, and to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in human resources, business administration, accounting, finance, or related field. 3-5 Years of progressively responsible experience in payroll administration, human resources, human resources information systems (HRIS), accounting; in local government is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an office with controlled environmental conditions without exposure to harmful conditions; occasionally work may be performed in the outside environment of hot and cold weather.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting tasks, operate a computer terminal, and do extensive reading. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Legally eligible to work in the United States. Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Kings-Mountain