Salary : $51,251.20 - $79,435.20 Annually
Location : FL 34205, FL
Job Type : Full-time
Job Number : 25-10008
Bureau : EXECUTIVE
Opening Date : 08 / 18 / 2025
General Description of Duties
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately and efficiently processing bi-weekly payroll for Manatee County Sheriff's Office employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role ensures the integrity of payroll data, resolves discrepancies, and maintains accurate records within strict deadlines. Responsibilities include calculating and posting wages, deductions, and benefits; administering garnishments and levies; processing payroll taxes and ACH files; managing deferred compensation plans and loans; and ensuring accurate reporting to the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and other agencies. The Payroll Specialist also supports audits, generates payroll reports, and partners with employees, supervisors, and external agencies to provide accurate information and exceptional service.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Ability to accurately and efficiently enter and / or retrieve information from various computer systems and / or programs in a timely manner
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public
- Takes initiative and thrives both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to identify and resolve discrepancies quickly,
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks under strict deadlines while maintaining high accuracy.
- Ability to make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately.
- Strong knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing payroll processing.
- Skill in the use of office equipment including computers, scanners, and various software applications.
- Well-skilled in computer knowledge and ability to effectively use a computer-based time management system
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and skilled in data entry, reporting, and reconciliation.
- Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
- Must be able to work independently, have quick problem skills and be able to multi task.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Required to speak and hear clearlyOften required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle or feel. Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb stairs or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.Requires close vision.Tasks and Policies
Accurately calculates employee hours and deductions in order to ensure all payroll checks are accurate, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policy.Accurately updates the payroll processing system in a timely manner to reflect all authorized payroll changes.Reviews and reconciles payroll reports; investigates and resolves discrepancies.Administers child support, garnishments, levies, and student loan deductions in compliance with legal requirements.Prepares and transmits ACH files and ensures timely payment of payroll taxes.Manages setup, deductions, and repayments for deferred compensation plans and loans.Accurately enters retirement codes and changes; submits salary certifications and terminations.Correctly locates, tabulates, and accurately compiles statistical data in a timely manner, and generates the edited statistical report as requested.Maintains organized and secure payroll records consistent with agency and regulatory standards.Successfully completes all assignments to specifications, within specified timeframe and budget as directed and in accordance with agency policies and regulations.Responds to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and benefits in a timely and professional manner.Attend meetings, conferences and seminars as needed or directed.Participates in continuous improvement efforts, identifying opportunities to enhance accuracy and efficiency of payroll processes.Performs other related duties as assigned.POLICY
Arrives on time for work, limits breaks and lunches to the allotted time, and leaves on time. Uses leave in accordance with General Orders. Communicates and cooperates with management in providing proper notice of leave; patterns and amounts of leave usage (not including legitimate, properly scheduled and approved leave and protected leave).Volume of work accomplished is consistent with position requirements and produced within quality tolerance standards.Is willing to contribute ideas and actions without being prompted or instructed to do so; is willing to adapt to changes.Works with other team members to achieve group goals by contributing ideas in group settings, accepting ideas contributed by others, operating within team rules, participating in team meetings, working with team members to improve job knowledge and skills, putting team goals over personal goals, and supporting team leaders once decisions are made.Follows standard office procedures, safety policies and procedures and agency General Orders.Maintains good interpersonal relations (the manner in which the employee responds emotionally and verbally) with the public, other employees, and supervisors. This policy also relates to the image the employee projects and includes cleanliness and personal grooming.Maintains confidentiality of information learned or acquired as part of the position.Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.Minimum of three (3) years of payroll experience for a workforce of 50+ employees; advanced education and / or degree may be substituted for experience.FCP or CPP designation desired.Experience in automated time and attendance systems is preferred.Experience working with One Solution and / or | OnBase preferred.Valid Florida driver license required.CAREER LADDER OPPORTUNITY :
Senior Payroll Specialist :
Meets all the requirements of a Payroll Specialist.Must have a minimum of 4 years working as an MCSO Payroll Specialist.CPP certification required.Microsoft Office Specialist : Excel Expert certification requiredMust have received a rating of Meets Standards or higher on their two most recent annual performance evaluations.Demonstrated ability to consistently run MCSO payroll cycles independently, troubleshooting and resolving issues without assistance.Equal Opportunity Employer
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees that fosters, maintains and promotes equal employment opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, political affiliation, veteran's status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, to include transgender status, disability or status in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
BENEFITS
Excellent State RetirementUniforms for Specific Civilian Personnel12 Holidays Per Year (includes employee's birthday)Excellent Vacation Plan - Start accruing two weeks of vacation time earned by the end of your first yearSick Leave - 12 days per year, accrued by pay periodLife Insurance - Equals annual base salaryHealth Insurance (optional)Dental (optional)Take-Home Vehicle for Specific Civilian PersonnelCareer Service - After one year of satisfactory continuous serviceDeferred Compensation Plan (optional)Direct Payroll Deposit (any banking institution)Disability Insurance (long-term disability)College Tuition Reimbursement ProgramExtensive Wellness Program-01
Are you at least 18 years of age?
YesNo02
Are you a citizen of the United States or a lawful, permanent resident, granted refugee or asylee status and authorized to work in the United States?
YesNo03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
No High School Diploma or EquivalencyHigh School Diploma / GEDSome collegeAssociate's DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree or above04
How many years experience do you possess in processing payroll?
NoneLess than one year1 - 2 years3 - 4 years5 - 7 years8+ years05
Do you possess and FCP or CPP designation?
YesNo06
How many employees staffed your payroll office?
1 - 3 employees4 - 6 employees7+ employees07
Which of the following best describes the number of employees that were / are on your payroll?
1 - 50 employees51 - 99 employees100 - 499 employees500 - 999 employees1000+ employees08
Which of the following payroll software programs have you used?
NoneOneSolutionCeridianOther09
If other, please specify :
10
Which of the following time and attendance software programs have you used?
NoneWorkforceKronosTimeLinkTellirisADPOther11
If other, please specify :
12
How have you processed payroll with previous organizations?
InternallyExternallyBoth13
How many years experience do you have in calculating credit garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders?
None1 - 2 years3 - 5 years6+ years14
What techniques do you use to maintain compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to payroll, garnishments, tax levies, and child support?
15
Have you ever sold, delivered or manufactured a controlled substance?
YesNo16
In the last twelve (12) months, have you used marijuana, or its derivative?
YesNo17
In the last three (3) years, have you illegally used any Schedule I through Schedule V (Schedules I through V, as defined in the Contolled Substances Action, 21 U.S.C., Section 812, include but are not limited to, cocaine, crack. lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amphetamines, methamphetamines, heroin, MDMA, GHB and anabolic steroids)?
YesNo18
Have you ever illegally used a controlled substance, including marijuana or its derivative, while employed as a law enforcement or corrections officer, while working in a prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position of public safety? (Exception : Any use of marijuana or its derivative while working in the capacity of an undercover operative for the purpose of the investigation)
YesNo19
Have you ever illegally used any of the following controlled substance in your lifetime? (Please check all that apply. If none, check the last box, "Not applicable".)
Amphetamines such as Uppers / SpeedBarbiturates such as DownersBenzodiazephines such as Valium / DarvonCocaine / CrackLSD such as Acid / MicrodotsMarijuana or its derivativesMethaqualone such as QuaaludesOpiates such as Opium / Heroin / OxycodonePhencyclidine such as PCP / Angel DustAny other drug not previously listedNot applicable20
If you answered "Yes", please provide the information listed below or type "N / A" if not applicable.
Drug, how taken, circumstances, number of times illegally obtained / used / supplied / sold.Date of first time illegally obtained / used / supplied / sold.Last time illegally obtained / used / sold.21
Have you ever pled guilty or no contest to, had adjudication withheld, or been convicted of a misdemeanor involving false statements, perjury or domestic violence?
YesNo22
Have you ever pled guilty or no contest to, had adjudication withheld, or been convicted of a felony offense?
YesNo23
Have you been convicted of a DUI in the last 60 months (5 years)?
YesNo24
Have you been convicted of a DUI more than once in your lifetime?
YesNo25
Have you engaged in sexual abuse or been convicted, or civilly or administratively adjudicated, of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion by a victim who did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?
YesNo26
Have you engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997).
YesNo27
Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations?
YesNo28
If you answered "No" to the previous question above, please indicate any reasonable accommodation(s) that will assist you in performing the essential functions of the position.
29
Do you have a tattoo in a visible location on the neck, face, scalp, or hands? (Click here to review the Appearance and Grooming Policy )
YesNo30
In order to conduct a thorough background investigation, you will be required to provide the website(s) and user name(s) for all social media accounts. In addition, you will be required to "friend" our background investigators on Facebook, if applicable. Do you confirm that on this application you have provided the requested information and will provide them access to your personal accounts?
YesNoI do not have any social media accounts, personal websites, or blogs.31
Have you registered with Selective Service?(NOTE : Registration is required by all males prior to their 26th birthday. If you are a male age 18-25 and have not yet registered, you must do so Females are not required to register at this time and should select 'N / A'.
YesNoExemptN / ARequired Question