Payroll Specialist

Job overview

The Hattiesburg Water Plant is hiring a Payroll Specialist to support payroll services for city employees and retirees. This is an administration role within the Human Resources division, and the compensation is $55,080 per year.

The successful candidate should be highly dependable, organized, detail-focused, and comfortable managing several tasks at once. The role calls for someone who takes initiative, works to strong ethical standards, and builds practical routines to complete work accurately and on time. Since the work is deadline-driven, strong time management and analytical thinking are important. A self-motivated, results-oriented approach is preferred.

Primary duties

• Review and audit employee timecards regularly, working with supervisors when corrections or clarifications are needed.
• Prepare and check pre-payroll reports to confirm that employee classification, pay, and deductions are correct.
• Run biweekly payroll accurately and within required timelines.
• Follow applicable payroll laws, regulations, internal policies, and procedures.
• Maintain payroll records for new hires, pay adjustments, transfers, terminations, and separation payouts.
• Act as the main contact for questions related to payroll, benefits, and retirement.
• Handle concerns from current and former employees about pay, deductions, and retirement matters.
• Update employee information in the timekeeping system.
• Process deductions such as taxes, benefits, and garnishments accurately and promptly.
• Ensure fringe benefit payments are made within required timeframes.
• Audit fringe benefit deductions and tax withholding amounts to confirm they remain accurate and current.
• Meet with employees to complete retirement processing and associated paperwork.
• Submit employee demographic information to the appropriate agency when required.
• Provide wage information for employment verifications, unemployment claims, and workers’ compensation requests.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports and filings, including Form 941 and W-2 documentation.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Professional conduct and a strong sense of character.
• High-level customer service and workplace professionalism.
• Excellent organization and a sharp eye for detail.
• Ability to protect confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Comfort working under pressure.
• Good time management and prioritization skills.
• Self-directed, motivated work style.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to use standard office equipment.

Required qualifications

• An associate degree from a nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of payroll processing experience, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of payroll or accounting principles and accepted best practices.
• Previous exposure to timekeeping platforms, payroll systems, and/or accounting software.

Preferred qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A demonstrated history of handling payroll for a large organization, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Advanced understanding of payroll or accounting principles and best practices.
• Experience with Kronos/UKG and Tyler Munis.

Additional information

This role is centered on payroll operations, employee support, compliance, and accurate reporting. It requires attention to confidentiality, the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment, and consistency in meeting deadlines.