About the Department
OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - TREASURY DIVISION
PAYROLL TECHNICIAN IV
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The Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Controllers division is accepting applications for a Payroll Technician IV position.
Position Summary
Under general supervision, responsible for performing advanced technical and clerical accounting and financial record keeping activities involving the preparation, processing and maintenance of payroll. Review the computation of payroll and ensure processes are in accordance with government regulations.
Position Duties
- Coordinate and participate in the processing of payroll including the computation and posting of employee time, subtraction of appropriate deductions and preparation of required reports.
- Prepare payroll journal adjustments, audit payroll accounts and transactions, and prepare supporting documentation.
- Ensure incoming time and attendance and personnel transactions are accurate and conform to applicable ordinances and legislations.
- Reconcile, assist with the preparation of, and file W-2's as well as quarterly, year-end, and related payroll tax reports to ensure compliance with federal and state tax agency requirements.
- Process retroactive pay adjustments.
- Establish and maintain all files and records necessary to ensure that city employees are correctly and punctually paid.
- Analyze and troubleshoot payroll issues.
- Ensure timely reporting and payment of the employer's and employees' withholding taxes and miscellaneous withholdings to appropriate agencies.
- Maintain confidentiality of personnel, payroll records and reports.
- Perform special projects as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
- High school diploma or G.E.D. (General Educational Development) equivalent.
- Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience in processing or verifying payroll.
Qualifications (preferred):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field of study.
- Previous experience utilizing UKG.
Equivalency
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Other Qualifications
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
LRD:12/11/2025
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to payroll and taxation.
Thorough knowledge of principles and procedures of payroll processing and accounting
Excellent skill in ensuring work is performed in compliance with payroll procedures and applicable federal and state laws, and city regulations.
- Strong skill in the use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other office or financial suite software packages.
- Thorough skill in performing arithmetic calculations.
- Skill in project management.
- Strong ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing work assignments.
- Extensive ability to monitor and produce accurate payroll records, documents and related reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Physical Demands The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period of time operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines.
The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files.
Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in an office environment.
Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.