Payroll Technician

The Payroll Technician is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of the City of Minneapolis' biweekly payroll. With 5,000 to 7,000 paychecks issued every pay period, this position plays a critical role in hands-on payroll calculation and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. Payroll Technicians handle a wide range of duties, including garnishments, tax withholdings, levies, and other complex payroll transactions, contributing to the successful in-house payroll operations for all City employees.

Work Location:
This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

1. Approve and audit payable time entered via data entry or self-service after verifying accuracy.
2. Prepare forms and documentation for taxes, advances, final payments, and direct deposit adjustments, including stopping, reissuing, or creating wire transfers, and notifying employees of changes.
3. Use query reports (e.g., compensatory time balances, hours reported) to audit fringe leave balances and support accurate payroll processing.
4. Audit HR job data to ensure proper codes and status indicators are present for accurate payroll generation.
5. Create, verify, and correct overtime amounts to ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
6. Send letters to employees and levy authorities regarding garnishments in a timely, confidential, and sensitive manner.
7. Audit employee benefits, deductions, and State and Federal taxes, and review retroactive pay for contract settlements, reimbursements, and lump sum payments.
8. Report hours and deductions to unions each pay cycle.
9. Validate expected return dates for leaves of absence and notify HR if expired or nearing expiration.
10. Perform time entry from paper timesheets or spreadsheets, including during timekeeper absences or system lockdowns during payroll close.

Minimum Education:
One year to eighteen months of post-high school education

Minimum Experience:
Three years of related experience.

Equivalency:
An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing:
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: AFSCME General Unit - City of Minneapolis.

Eligible List Statement:
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire 1 month after it has been established.

Interview Selection:
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

1. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel with formulas and pivot tables for tax and payroll calculations.
2. Skilled in using payroll/accounting systems such as PeopleSoft/Oracle Time & Labor and COMPASS/COMET.
3. Ability to navigate and utilize internal and external websites for payroll functions, including new hires, terminations, PERA enrollment, and levy disclosures.
4. Familiarity with the City's website and labor agreements as they relate to payroll processing.
5. Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret payroll data.
6. Effective oral and written communication skills.
7. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
8. Cross-trained to process payroll for any City department.
9. At least one year of experience working in a unionized environment preferred.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.