Payroll Technician

Overview

Salary Grade SG 106
• Recruitment Salary Range: $44,032.00 - $54,990.00. Salary offered will be determined based on directly related experience. Work Location is Town Hall Clayton, NC (Johnston County).

The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for a Payroll Technician for the Finance Department
. The Town employs more than 340 full-time staff in areas including police, fire, and electric utilities, and offers a range of PT positions in Parks & Rec, Library, and Cultural Arts. The Town is the fastest growing in Johnston County, which is the fastest growing county in North Carolina.

Under the general supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Technician performs highly skilled technical work related to the accurate and timely preparation and processing of bi-weekly and/or monthly payroll for Town of Clayton employees and the mayor and council members. This position ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing payroll, employee benefits, and related financial transactions.

The Payroll Technician often works in a customer service-driven environment, handling confidential information and responding to employee inquiries related to pay, benefits, and deductions.

• Processes payroll and personnel transactions, including wages, deductions, salary adjustments, and garnishments.
• Administers and maintains the Town of Clayton’s timekeeping and payroll software systems, including data entry, adjustments, and verification.
• Audits payroll documents and reports for accuracy and compliance with rules and regulations.
• Prepares and balances payroll reports and records for internal use and external agencies (e.g., IRS, NC Retirement System).
• Reconciles payroll accounts and maintains the accuracy of accounting and financial records related to payroll and employee benefits.
• Assists employees and departments with timekeeping and payroll matters, explaining procedures and resolving discrepancies.
• Provides support to internal and external auditors by preparing the required reports and data.
• Processes employee terminations, ensuring proper calculation of severance payments and leave cash-outs.
• Assists with the preparation and distribution of W-2 forms and 1095-Cs.
• Ensures payroll compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and employee benefits programs.
• Performs various accounting and financial support tasks as needed, including processing accounts payable, billing, and general ledger reconciliations.
• May provide training to supervisors and department liaisons on timekeeping systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned at the discretion of the Payroll Manager and/or Finance Director.

• Knowledge of payroll legislation, federal and the NC Wage and Hour Act (NCWHA), and pension administration.
• Strong financial and numeracy skills.
• Experience with payroll software (e.g., NEOGOV, Oracle, SAP, or equivalent).

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Experience with the NC Local Government Retirement System (LGERS).
• Experience with NEOGOV payroll for a government agency.
• Familiarity with municipal pay structures and employment terms.

• Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, FLSA, NCWHA, and IRS regulations.
• Familiarity with North Carolina Local Government Retirement System and reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure.

• A two-year certificate in accounting or business administration required.
• Experience processing payroll, working with the general public, and utilizing and operating computers.

OR

Depending on the position, the Town may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject…