Payroll Specialist

Salary : $27.89 - $40.51 Hourly

Location : Kearney, NE

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 00126

Department : Administration

Division : Finance

Opening Date : 11 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Description

Under general supervision, manages the payroll time keeping and processing systems; is responsible for entering and managing employee information into the payroll system; works to ensure every employee receives their paycheck on time and that it is accurate; balancing and disbursing payroll deductions and benefits as well as preparing tax reports. The position requires a strong attention to detail and interpersonal skills. Act as the liaison between the finance and the human resources departments. Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with software providers and staff to ensure everyone understands vital information. Work may vary, but exercises considerable independent judgement within prescribed standards and procedures.

Essential Functions

Manage and set up employees on payroll and in the time keeping system; entering employee position changes, pay rates, deductions, benefits, taxes and direct deposit information; communicate daily with department coordinators and supervisors on policies and software use to ensure payroll processes smoothly; reviews all time cards each payroll for accuracy; processes each payroll, paying attention to detail and accuracy during calculation; process payments for disbursement of withholdings and taxes; prepare, reconcile and submit monthly and quarterly payroll reports; work closely with Human Resources on employee positions, accruals, deductions, benefits, and policies; troubleshoot issues with our software providers; provide support and back up for other aspects of the Finance Department.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS :

None.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)

Regular timely / punctual attendance. (Daily)

Accurately process payroll, generate and reconcile reports, maintain retention requirements. (Daily)

Prepare, organize and file records, reports and other documents. (Daily)

Perform basic bookkeeping procedures. (Daily)

Ability to multitask while ensuring accuracy and strong attention to detail. (Daily)

Post to and maintain accurate accounting records on a timely basis in accordance with established procedures. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Work Type : Light, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Climbing / Balancing : Minimal, ability to sit and stand

Walking : Minimal amount required

Stooping / Bending : Frequently

Stand / Sit : Sit about 75 percent of the time

Reaching : Occasional, overhead as well as horizontal

Vision : Adequate to perform essential job functions

Color Vision : Adequate to perform essential job functions

Hearing : Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear

Speech : Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words

Eye / Hand / Foot Coordination : Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability

Manual Dexterity : Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Inside / Outside : Work inside

Cold / Heat : Controlled

Wet / Dry : Controlled

Noise / Vibrations : Office equipment

Hazards : None

Fumes / Dust / Odors : Minimal exposure

Infectious Diseases : Low exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Ability to read and comprehend technically-written material.

Ability to listen and apply information and instructions.

Ability to organize files and effectively retrieve data.

Ability to comprehend and apply computer software principles.

Ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts accurately.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, preferably payroll related accounting experience. Associates degree or equivalent preferred from college or university with course work in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of New World / Tyler / ExecuTime / Time & Attendance preferred but not required. Experience working with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheet and word processing programs desirable. Possession of a valid Nebraska driver's license.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS :

None.

Supplemental Information

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED :

Computer, telephone, calculator, typewriter, copy machine

REMARKS :

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his / her duties.

Rates effective January 1, 2025 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.

Health and Dental Insurance : The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plan includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. Employee spouses' who have health / dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health / dental insurance.

Health / Dental (4 Tiers)

• Single Coverage $ 77.35 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $165.24 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $131.49 biweekly
• Family Coverage $192.74 biweekly

Vision Insurance : EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee / Spouse - $6.30; Employee / Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.

IdentityForce : Identity Theft Protection available, Employee / Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.

Retirement : City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.

Life Insurance : The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.

Cafeteria / Section 125 : Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.

Deferred Comp : Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).

EAP : Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.

Long Term Disability : Long term disability insurance provided by the City.

Longevity : Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.

Vacation : Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner : 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.

Medical Leave : Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.

Parental Leave : 3 weeks paid leave.

Personal Leave : 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.

Holidays : Twelve paid holidays per year.

Military : Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.

01

Do you have prior payroll experience including processing payroll, quarterly reporting, annual reporting, compliance, etc.?

02

If yes, please describe your experience in more detail. If no, please respond N / A.

Required Question