Deputy Finance Director - Finance Department​/Payroll

About This Position

The City of Phoenix is a full‑service municipality and the largest council‑manager government in the U.S., employing over 14,000 staff across more than 40 departments, supported by seven employee unions and associations, and operating on a $7.8 billion annual budget. Led by a Mayor and eight council members who appoint the City Manager to oversee daily operations and financial management, Phoenix is recognized for innovation, best practice governance, and a forward‑thinking commitment to exceptional public service.

Guided by its vision to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit through a dynamic, sustainable environment, the City emphasizes being an employee‑friendly, inclusive, and progressive workplace that prioritizes competitive compensation, cultural respect, innovation, and customer service excellence.

To learn more about the City of Phoenix, go to:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Finance Department, composed of 234 employees, ensures the City of Phoenix remains fiscally sound by adhering to legal requirements and established financial management principles while delivering key services such as debt and capital financing, payroll, accounting, procurement, treasury operations, risk and inventory management, tax and licensing, and real property management. Guided by stewardship, integrity, and innovation, the department manages city resources responsibly to support essential public services and long‑term financial stability.

Through technology‑driven solutions, transparent practices, and proactive planning, the Finance Department strengthens cost efficiency, promotes economic growth, upholds public trust, and helps maintain Phoenix as a resilient and well‑managed organization.

The Finance Department is seeking a Deputy Finance Director to provide strategic oversight and leadership for the Central Payroll Division, ensuring that payroll operations are accurate, compliant, efficient, and aligned with citywide goals. Reporting to the Assistant Finance Director and exercising significant independent judgment, this role evaluates and improves payroll policies, procedures, and programs while resolving complex financial and technical issues.

The position plays a key role in advancing the Finance Department’s Strategic Plan and implementing the City’s first Time and Labor system, requiring strong expertise in governmental accounting, payroll administration, labor regulations, and tax compliance. As a key advisor, the Deputy Finance Director provides cross‑departmental guidance and strategic support on payroll matters across the City.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Central Payroll Division (14 positions), ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all City employees and retirees, supported by strong internal controls and audit readiness.
• Develop, implement, and maintain citywide payroll policies and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including FLSA, IRS rules, garnishments, labor agreements, and related financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee all payroll‑related financial reporting and tax obligations, including quarterly and annual filings, year‑end reporting, reconciliation of payroll liabilities, and review of proposed state legislation for fiscal and operational impacts.
• Lead strategic planning, performance management, and continuous improvement of payroll operations by establishing KPIs, operational benchmarks, and cross‑department coordination with HR, Retirement, and ERP teams.
• Provide strategic oversight of payroll systems, including system governance (eCHRIS/Peoplesoft), performance, maintenance, enhancements, and implementation of new modules such as the Time and Labor system.
• Advise executive leadership on payroll impacts of policy decisions and labor negotiations, serve as the City’s payroll subject matter expert, and support workforce development through training, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in complex payroll operations with exceptional leadership and…