Payroll & Leave Specialist

Payroll & Leave Specialist

Salary

$72,115.00 - $94,899.00 Annually

Location

Urbandale, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-Payroll & Leave Spec-01

Department

Human Resources

Division

Human Resources

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Description

This position works collaboratively with the HR, Payroll, and Risk Management service areas to support the administration of the City's payroll, leave, and workers' compensation programs. If you are a detail-oriented payroll professional with experience in payroll processing, reconciliation, timekeeping, HRIS administration, and payroll tax compliance-and are committed to accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance-this role may be a great fit for you. This position offers the opportunity to apply your expertise while contributing to effective HR, safety, and employee wellbeing programs that support the City and its employees.

Watch this VIDEO to see the meaningful work you could be part of at the City of Urbandale.

The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive salary and benefit package.

Full-time non-union benefits for this position include:

Health Insurance: Individual coverage for $77.46/month or family coverage for $237.74/month

Additional Coverage Options: Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 10 holidays plus 3 personal days per year

Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid time to care for and bond with a new child

Retirement Plans: IPERS plan and 457(b) plan with 2% match

Life Insurance: City-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage

Disability Coverage: City-paid long-term disability insurance

Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being Program

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing, processing, and reconciling payroll
• Assist with maintaining accurate payroll and timekeeping records
• Assist with configuration of the Payroll/HRIS and Timekeeping software systems
• Assist with remitting monthly insurance benefit premiums for all lines of coverage
• Assist with preparing and remitting quarterly and annual payroll tax payments, documents and reports
• Prepare and maintain workers compensation wage and hour reports
• Prepare and submit data for the annual workers compensation payroll audit and OSHA reports
• Assist with administration of Wellbeing program incentives
• Administer the FMLA and Military leave programs
• Assist with administration of the city's workers compensation program including coordination of the Return-to-Work temporary light duty accommodation program
• Provide support to facilitate the safety program and policies in collaboration with the Director of Risk Management and Support Services
• Stay updated on wage-and-hour laws, labor laws, and best practices related to payroll, FMLA, workers compensation, etc
• Supports other HR projects and responsibilities as assigned
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Must be able to pass a pre-employment conditional offer: professional reference checks, drug screen, skills assessment testing, motor vehicle report, and background check. Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field, required
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience performing payroll operations, required
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), required within 1 year of employment
• Certified Payroll Professional certificate, strongly preferred
• Experience with public sector payroll, strongly preferred
• Experience with workers compensation and/or FMLA leave management, strongly preferred
• Valid Driver's License

Visit the job description for more details about the skills, knowledges and abilities needed for this position.

Supplemental Information

The Civil Service testing process for this job posting will consist of a supplemental questionnaire, skills assessments and an oral interview. Qualified candidates advancing in the process will be notified to use the self-scheduling interview feature via automated governmentjobs.com email notifications so apply with a valid email that is checked regularly and consider signing up for optional text message notifications.

Tentative Timeline:

• Supplemental questionnaire: (including with the application materials)
• Skills assessments: Details will be sent to qualified candidates at the close of the job posting on or around September 16, 2026
• Oral Interviews: Tentatively scheduled for October 8th - 9th, 2026
• Approximate start date: Monday November 30, 2026

The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service therefore most employees are offered a starting salary at the minimum of the advertised range.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.

FULL TIME BENEFITS

For more details on the incredible benefits the City of Urbandale offers see the

2026 Benefits Guide Non-Union

01

List any relevant HR, Payroll, or Benefits related certifications? (for example: SHRM-CP, PHR, GBA)

02

Do you possess the FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess the CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Briefly describe your experience with public sector payroll processing operations. If you have no applicable experience, please indicate, "None."

05

Briefly describe your experience with supporting the payroll and timekeeping functions of workers compensation programs. If you have no applicable experience, please indicate, "None."

06

Briefly describe your experience administering FMLA programs. If you have no applicable experience, please indicate, "None."

Required Question

Employer City of Urbandale

Address 3600 86th St.

Urbandale, Iowa, 50322

Phone 515-278-3900

Website http://www.urbandale.org