Library Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Library Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Salary

$60,363.00 - $82,850.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

16

Department

Detroit Public Library

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Bargaining Unit

9171-Supervisory Exempt (Library)

• Description
• Benefits

Description

General Purpose: The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist will assist with management of the payroll processing through the City of Detroit; maintains employee benefit and personnel files; FMLA/ADA; workers compensation, etc. This senior-level subject matter expert ensures strict regulatory compliance, assists in ensuring government regulations are adhered to, and reporting requirements are met. Serves as the primary escalation point for employee inquiries.

Supervision Received/Exercised: Works under the general supervision of the library - Manager, Payroll/HRIS; and exercises supervisory responsibility.

Examples of Duties

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and assists with managing employee relations; assists with managing the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the department.
• Assist with payroll processing and employee benefits; assists with the auditing of file maintenance reports, detail position control reports; files and maintains employee medical and benefits records; prepares and processes file maintenance transactions; updates monthly report and updates monthly statistics;
• Assists in tracking employees on FMLA and Intermittent FMLA; checks medical restrictions list and sends for update every six months; processes New Hires; assists with updating of employee lists and distribution list; updates employee termination and retirement lists and sends list to security; prepares MIOSHA/OSHA Reports as required; and fills out employee job verifications and manages Friends of the Court and Garnishments.
• Assists with adjusting seniority dates for part-time salaried employees; assists with audits of vacation time and time in position for eligibility for hospitalization and pension; clothing allowance report, long term disability eligibility and makes corrections or updates as necessary; prepares and checks seniority lists; and consults with employees regarding retirement.
• Processes audits and submits employee accident reports.
• Provides support to the Library - Manager, Payroll/HRIS on matters as directed; participates on a variety of committees; prepares and presents reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Library policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Ensures an environment of customer-responsive services, providing customer-responsive service, and handling customer service issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field, or related field. 5 + plus years of dedicated, progressive experience managing payroll processing and benefits administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid State of Michigan Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

Required Knowledge of:

• Payroll principles, practices, and methods.
• Accounting practices and procedures.
• Principles and procedures for computerized payroll systems, including UltiPro software and hardware systems.
• Staff training and development processes.
• Employee benefits and compensation programs.
• Methods, procedures, and standards for maintaining human resources records.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Supervisory principles, practices, and methods.
• Customer service standards and procedures.

Required Skill:

• High level of confidentiality, strong analytical problem-solving abilities, and exceptional cross-departmental communication skills.
• Manage open enrollment periods, onboard new hires with benefits details, and assist employees with complex benefit inquiries or claim resolutions.
• Identifying problems and reviewing related information and suggesting or implementing solutions.
• Preparing and analyzing numerical computations and reports.
• Time management and meeting established processing deadlines.
• Responding to inquiries in effective oral and written communications.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard library environment.
• Subject to sitting, walking, bending, and reaching.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
• At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
• At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

Employer City of Detroit

Address Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

2 Woodward Ave ste 316

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job