Senior Payroll Specialist
Salary
$35.12 - $43.22 Hourly
Location
Denton, TX
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26-00405
Department
Finance
Division
Accounting
Opening Date
11/09/2026
Closing Date
11/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA
Non-Exempt
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Summary
The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring all aspects of the payroll process including paycheck production, state and federal reporting, and production of W-2s is processed accurately and timely. This role provides guidance to Payroll Specialists, ensures accuracy and compliance with City policies and applicable regulations, assists with workflow improvements, and supports the Payroll Supervisor in daily operational oversight.
Essential Functions and Other Important Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
DUTIES
- Responsible for payroll duties and oversight in absence of payroll supervisor
- Provides assistance and training to Payroll Specialists
- Assist with final review and oversight of all aspects of paycheck production including the input of time, calculation of pay, pay adjustments, and final review of the checks for accuracy
- Assist with all payroll and timekeeping system upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting
- Monitors and maintains all employee earnings records and taxes paid
- Assist with review and reconciliation of quarterly report earnings, taxes, and pensions to federal and state agencies
- Assist with final review, reconciliation, preparation and report W-2s
- Prepares wage statements and researches problems
- Assist with final review, reconciliation and preparation of payments for biweekly payroll deductions (i.e., child support, ICMA, etc)
- Monitors compliance with Civil Service and other governmental regulations
- Trains employees on payroll and timekeeping procedures and makes presentations as needed
- Assist with City-wide timekeeper training development and presentations
- Review, research and resolve payroll account discrepancies
- Review and prepares payroll-related schedules for the annual audit
- Assists with oversight and updates documentation for payroll standard operating procedures
- Review, research and prepare schedules for grant reporting and other miscellaneous items
- Continues payroll education to keep current with federal, state, and city rules and regulations
- Assists with review, reconciling, preparing, and reporting monthly TMRS and Fire Pension
- Assists with fiscal and calendar year end procedures
- Responsible for online payroll website Dayforce, accurate bi-weekly payroll and annual W-2 submissions, new employee updates, maintenance, and employee assistance.
- Assists the Payroll Supervisor with oversight of payroll operations, workflow coordination, system updates, and special projects.
- Assist with oversight of UKG timekeeping system; maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, vacation and sick leave accrual set-up and reconciliation, and biweekly import of employee hours.
SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or equivalent; and,
- Four (4) years' experience in payroll or related field.
OR
- Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and customers
- Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance
- Advanced knowledge of UKG timekeeping system
- Knowledge of Dayforce payroll website
- Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
SAFETY
- Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
- Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
- Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
- Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
- Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
- Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.
CORE VALUES
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Quality Service
- Strategic Focus
- Fiscal Responsibility
TOP TIER BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
- Employee Health Clinic
- Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan
EEO STATEMENT
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employees authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
The City of Denton maintains competitive benefit options. Details are available here.
01
Do you believe you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description?
02
Check the boxes next to the systems/software in which you are proficient:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Timekeeping UKG
- Payroll Software
- None
03
How many years of paid, professional-level experience do you have in this field?
- Less than 6 months
- 6 months to less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 6 years
- 6 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 8 years
- 8 years to less than 9 years
- 9 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years or more
Required Question
Employer City of Denton
Address 601 E. Hickory Street
Suite B
Denton, Texas, 76205
Phone (940) 349-8340
Website http://www.cityofdenton.com