Payroll Specialist

Salary : $77,667.20 - $96,803.20 Annually

Location : Eugene, OR

Job Type : Full-Time Regular

Job Number : 04312

Department : Central Services Department

Division : Finance

Opening Date : 11 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 30 / 2025 5 : 15 PM Pacific

General Statement of Duties

Join Our Team as a Payroll Specialist!

Are you detail-oriented and passionate about accuracy? We're looking for a Payroll Specialist to process and manage payroll for all city employees. In this vital role, you'll handle complex transactions, ensure compliance with tax and labor laws, maintain payroll records, and collaborate with departments to deliver timely and precise payroll services. From reconciling accounts to preparing W-2s, your expertise will help keep our city running smoothly. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy solving problems, we want to hear from you!

Application Deadline : Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. P.T.

Accepting Online Applications Only

Classification :

Salary : $37.34 - $46.54 hourly / $77,667.20 - $96,803.20 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the ).

Department, Division : Central Services, Finance

Union Representation :

Work Location : 500 East 4th Avenue, Eugene, OR

Schedule : Monday - Friday, 8 : 00 a.m. - 5 : 00 p.m. with the flexibility per business need

Benefits : The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view as well as see information about all

Bilingual Pay Benefit : This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see "Supplemental Information" at the end of the posting for more information.

Living & Working in Eugene : Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

• Processes payroll for all city employees, audits, and maintains timesheets and all payroll database changes; verifies and maintains leave balance in various comp plan buckets; calculates and prorates salary and leave benefit amounts.
• Coordinates with the Employee Resource Center (ERC) and departments to ensure timely and accurate data.
• Maintains employee payroll records and implements payroll deductions for garnishments, tax levies and child support enforcement orders. Processes complex transactions including, but not limited to, severance, incentive, and settlement payments.
• Researches, responds to, analyzes, and resolves various employee, department, and management inquiries and / or complaints related to payroll processing.
• Generates and audits payroll register. Researches and resolves discrepancies and errors. Ensures system calculations are accurate and takes appropriate corrective action when needed.
• Electronic maintenance and submission of payroll documentation for recordkeeping and benefits and tax reporting.
• Balances, reconciles, and processes ACH or check payments to various agencies including; IRS, Oregon Department of Revenue, garnishments, Union dues, United Way, workers' compensation and other agencies. Develops and / or implements reporting mechanisms to meet the various requirements of each agency. Performs payroll account reconciliations and payroll audits.
• Balances, reconciles, and submits required monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reporting. Prepares and distributes W-2 forms, according to state and federal laws each year.
• Assists with research, analysis and preparation of personnel or payroll information for management including assistance with payroll budgeting.
• Assists in the operation and management of the City's payroll system by recommending payroll process improvements, monitoring policies and procedures, providing training to supporting payroll personnel, working with Information Systems regarding payroll enhancements and performing testing to protect the accuracy and integrity of payroll information and system.
• Prepares, reviews, and processes year-end W-2 statements; prepares related reports for dissemination to applicable federal agencies. Interpret and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws related impacting the payroll program. Maintain proper audit trail. Follow and apply rules and regulation for the PERS retirement program
• Interprets and applies relevant program / department information in making work decisions or in providing information to others; research, explain and enforce codes and other laws, if applicable, including problem resolution.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Performs administrative support duties including keyboarding, editing and proofing correspondence and other materials; composes routine correspondence. Performs data entry as necessary.
• Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace. Performs other related duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification :

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

A minimum of two years progressively responsible payroll experience using computerized accounting systems.

Training

High school diploma or GED equivalent and one year of vocational or college-level accounting training.

Background

Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following k nowledge, s kills, and a bilities

Knowledge

Abilities

Skills

Supplemental Information

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and / or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE : Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE : The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.

If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code / statute.

Representation

Employees in this classification are represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and their salaries may be subject to a monthly payroll deduction after 31 days of employment.

Salary and Benefits

The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefit, and life insurance. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.

To view a , , and / or the click the respective link. Click here to view information about

01

The supplemental questionnaire is scored and will be used to determine if you will proceed to the next phase of the selection process. Provide detailed answers to each question. Please do not reference your resume or application in your responses. Please use your own words to reflect your understanding when replying to the questions. Communication about our hiring process is primarily done through email and it is recommended to check your email OR governmentjobs.com account regularly after submitting your application.

02

The minimum requirements for the Payroll Specialist include a minimum of two years progressively responsible payroll experience using computerized accounting systems and high school diploma or GED equivalent and one year of vocational or college-level accounting training or a combination of experience and training totaling two years. Please select how you meet the requirements for this position.

03

Please describe in detail your experience processing complex payroll on a biweekly basis with emphasis on your role and experience.

04

Please describe in detail your experience identifying payroll processing mistakes and correcting those mistakes. Please provide an example before the payroll is paid to the employee and provide an example after the payroll is paid to the employee.

Required Question