Payroll Administrator

Benefits: We support our employees with a strong package that includes:

Payroll Administration & Accounting: Manage biweekly payroll, maintaining accurate employee pay records, calculations, deductions, withholdings, garnishments, and tax deposits. Prepare and reconcile payroll records and financial reports, including earnings, deductions, retirement contributions, and payroll taxes. Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies, coordinate corrections with Human Resources, and calculate retroactive payments and wage adjustments. Prepare and submit quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2s, W-3s, and 1099s.

Retirement & Pension Administration: Administer three employee retirement programs, coordinating enrollment, reporting, and payments. Maintain pension accounts for new retirees, surviving spouses, and pension changes. Process monthly pension payments, submit files to pension providers, and distribute payment biweekly retirement reports and respond to questions regarding pension payroll and payments.

Financial Reporting, Compliance & Systems: Generate payroll and financial reports using the City's MUNIS ERP and timekeeping systems. Reconcile employee benefit deductions with actual costs and prepare and submit payments to benefit providers. Assist with City-wide payroll budget preparation and analysis, including interim, annual, and biennial payroll processes, recommend improvements, and develop procedures and reference materials to promote accuracy and consistent payroll system issues, test system upgrades and fixes, and verify system performance. Interpret and apply applicable federal and state laws, City policies, personnel rules, union contracts, and other agreements affecting payroll.

Employee Support & Coordination: Explain payroll procedures, regulations, and requirements to employees and City personnel, assisting with payroll questions and forms. Provide lead oversight and train backup personnel on payroll procedures and reporting. Support labor negotiations by providing payroll data, related information, and compensation projections. Coordinate with Human Resources, benefit providers, auditors, and external agencies on payroll and compensation-related strict confidentiality of employee and employer information and remain current on developments affecting payroll and Preferred Skills

Education & Experience: Associate's degree (AA/AS) in business, accounting, payroll administration, or an equivalent field from a two-year college or technical school.4 years of related payroll administration experience, and/or additional training, An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Technical & Professional Knowledge: Knowledge of payroll administration, including payroll preparation, processing, maintenance, and of applicable payroll laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including FLSA, employee leaves, benefit plans, federal W-2s and quarterly tax reporting, ACA reporting, and retirement reporting and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, union contracts, and accounting requirements. Ability to analyze information, resolve discrepancies, draw conclusions, and present technical and financial information effectively. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidential records. Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Understanding of business arithmetic, accounting, financial, and statistical in Microsoft Office and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Preferred Qualifications: Municipal or governmental payroll experience. Certification as a Payroll Professional through the American Payroll Association (CPP). Certification may be obtained after hire. Sponsorship for Employment The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis. Residency Requirement Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

More Details: Why Decatur? A Place You Can Afford: Named the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. for 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report, Decatur offers a low cost of living and attainable housing. Central Illinois, Close to Everywhere: Located within driving distance of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, Decatur offers convenient access to major cities while maintaining a community feel. Room to Get Outside: Lake Decatur and more than 2,000 acres of parks and trails offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more. Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performances at Millikin University, shows at the historic Lincoln Theatre, and a growing public art scene. Something for the Whole Family: From Scovill Zoo and Splash Cove Waterpark to Overlook Adventure Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together. A Strong Employment Community: Decatur is home to major employers including ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital. Come build your career, contribute to the community, and enjoy what Decatur has to offer.