Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Posting Closes: August 26, 2026

Starting Salary: $61,738.15 annually; $1,187.24 weekly

General Description:

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll, ensuring compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, calculation of weekly payroll using an in-house payroll system, performing payroll reconciliations, and reviewing timesheet data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field AND
• Two (2) years of experience preparing and processing payroll in a medium-to-large organization.
• A comparable amount of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.
• May be required to successfully complete and pass required skills testing.

Selection Process: The selection process will include a review of each qualified applicant’s education and experience and a formal interview in accordance with VSO policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and calculates the weekly payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Serves as the point of contact for employee inquiries related to payroll.
• Processes Personnel Action Requests (PARs) in a timely manner.
• Creates deductions within the in-house payroll system to execute court-ordered child support orders, as well as other types of garnishments.
• Reviews electronic timesheet data for accuracy and compliance for all employees.
• Works closely with other departments to ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Performs account balance and payroll reconciliations.
• Completes the payroll process and prepares financial reports for accounting and auditing purposes.
• Manages workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Generates reports and distributes information to relevant stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timely communication.
• Develops and maintains benefit billing spreadsheets in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Ensures timely review and reconciliation of benefit billing and reporting data.
• Creates and posts journal records for accounting, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• May serve as a backup to the Lead Payroll Specialist.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to federal, state, county, and local ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Status: Civilian

Blood and Viral Pathogen Risk: Minimal Risk

Environmental Conditions:

• General office setting with most duties being performed while sitting at a desk, table, or workstation.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Must be able to remain available to work when a public emergency or disaster occurs.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain efficient records.
• Ability to prepare complete accounting reports and statements of moderate complexity.
• Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity.
• Ability to prepare payroll reports and statements.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interact effectively with others.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical and professional manuals and journals, financial reports, abstracts, legal documents, memos, instructions, and letters.
• Ability to perform advanced mathematical functions.
• Ability to write reports, financial statements, memos, letters, and summaries.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to analyze data and develop conclusions.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems.

Required Knowledge:

• VSO General Orders and procedures.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and best practices related to payroll.
• Knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other federal and state regulations.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures, as they relate to governmental financial administration, and the ability to apply such knowledge to accounting transactions.
• Knowledge of proper taxation and employer paid benefits.
• Knowledge of computers, spreadsheets, and other financial software.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations controlling fiscal record keeping.
• Knowledge of auditing accounting records.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ambulate independently.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Use a computer for extended periods of time.
• See at a normal range or with reasonable accommodation.
• Hear at a normal level or with reasonable accommodation.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, grasp.
• Occasionally lift up to ten pounds (10lbs).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V