Payroll Director

Job Description

Company Description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We care about your well-being.
Agency Description

The Office of Director of Finance was created by the Home Rule Charter to give the Mayor and the City government a principal officer responsible for the financial, accounting, and budgeting functions of the executive branch.

Central Payroll processes weekly payroll and special payrolls for all active City of Philadelphia employees in the City’s 50+ operating departments. Payroll also sets up direct deposits and processes wage garnishments and certain voluntary payroll deductions.
Job Description
This is upper management level work directed through a subordinate assistant manager and includes the examination and verification of all payroll deductions and wages paid to employees in all departments and agencies of the City. Work includes overseeing the preparation of payments to all active City employees, health insurance agencies and employee unions.  It also includes contact with departmental representatives to explain policies governing payrolls and to resolve complex problems regarding payroll transactions.  Work is performed under the supervision of the Deputy Finance Director for Payroll.

Essential Functions & Knowledge Areas

Essential Functions:

Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processes to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay elements.
Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems, and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:

Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the unit.
Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
Knowledge Of:

Extensive knowledge of core payroll functions including preparation, balancing, internal controls, and payroll taxes.
The City’s Civil Service Regulations, Administrative Board rules, Standard Accounting Procedures (SAPs) and other policy and procedures relating to the processing of payrolls, including complex overtime and pay differential rules related to all classes of employees.
Civil Service Regulations relating to the processing of payrolls
Labor contracts and arbitration awards relating to the processing of payrolls and employee benefits.
How to prepare and interpret financial reports and statements.
Effect ways to explain civil service regulations and payroll related City policies to departmental officials.
Effective approaches for resolving complex problems related to the processing of deductions and wages.
Principles and practices of governmental accounting
Managerial principles and techniques
Business arithmetic
Competencies, Skills and Abilities

Qualified candidates must be hard-working, organized, attend to detail, and have a helpful attitude.
Existing knowledge of City procedures is a plus, including knowledge of OnePhilly and the City’s legacy timekeeping systems.
Excellent time management skills
Excellent written and oral communication
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced settings
Ability to meet deadlines consistently
Ability to work productively on one’s own, and collaboratively
Experience with Word and Excel
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, department managers, employees, and central agencies.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Excellent, active, listening skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
patience
Work-Life

The Office of the Director of Finance supports a robust work-life balance.  Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday; however due to the nature of this position, issues may need to be addressed during all shifts of the 24/7 operation, including days, nights, holidays, and weekends as needed.  Working Remotely is an option.
Qualifications
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
Three to five years of payroll related work.
Will accept an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $113,000 – $120,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
Pay off your student loans faster – As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships – The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.