Accountant II (Payroll Administrator) (N13)

The City of Annapolis is seeking a detail-oriented, reliable, and analytical financial professional to serve as Payroll Administrator (classified as Accountant II). Reporting directly to the Finance Payroll Manager, this position plays a critical supporting role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely bi-weekly payroll processing for more than 700 municipal employees.  

The Payroll Administrator assists with timesheet verification, HRIS data maintenance, leave/overtime reporting, union contract applications, and employee payroll inquiries. Additionally, this position serves as crucial backup coverage for the Payroll Manager during peak operational cycles or absences. The ideal candidate combines strong numerical accuracy with modern payroll system knowledge and a desire to excel in a dynamic municipal finance setting. 

• Bi-Weekly Payroll Operations: Assists the Payroll Manager in executing end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for 700+ City employees while meeting strict processing deadlines.  

• Timekeeping & Audit Verification: Reviews and verifies employee timesheets for accuracy, proper supervisory approvals, and correct coding of leave hours and overtime.  

• HRIS Data Management: Enters and updates personnel payroll records within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), including new hires, employee separations, pay rate adjustments, deduction changes, and direct deposit setups.  

• Union & Contract Compliance: Ensures accurate application of shift differentials, overtime rules, and specific collective bargaining union contract provisions under the guidance of the Payroll Manager.  

• Payroll Adjustments: Calculates and processes payroll adjustments, manual checks, retroactive pay calculations, and data corrections.  

• Employee Service & Support: Responds to employee payroll inquiries and resolves discrepancies in a timely, discreet, and professional manner.  

• Operational Continuity: Provides full backup coverage for the Finance Payroll Manager during absences or high-volume reporting periods. 

• Payroll & Tax Knowledge: Functional knowledge of general payroll administration, payroll tax withholdings, and modern timekeeping practices.  

• Software Proficiency: Advanced skill in Microsoft Excel (e.g., spreadsheet formatting, basic formulas, data reconciliation) and general office productivity software.

• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: High numerical acuity with exceptional precision in data entry and calculations.  

• Confidentiality & Discretion: Demonstrated capability to safeguard sensitive employee information, personnel records, and payroll data in compliance with privacy standards.  

• Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet rigid recurring deadlines.  

• Communication: Effective oral and written communication skills required to interact collaboratively with municipal employees, supervisors, and department leaders. 

• Education: Possession of an Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution; OR  

• Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of professional payroll, accounting, or related administrative experience.  

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

• Prior experience managing payroll within a municipal, county, or state government environment.  

• Direct experience handling payroll in a multi-union collective bargaining environment.  

• Hands-on experience with enterprise payroll/HRIS software platforms such as Ceridian Dayforce, ADP, UKG UltiPro, NEOGOV, or an equivalent system.  

• Prior involvement in payroll system optimizations, post-implementation stabilization, or large-scale HRIS software upgrades.  

• Knowledge of State of Maryland employment and payroll statutes.  

• Familiarity with ERP general ledger workflows and payroll journal entries.  

• Physical Demands: The position is primarily sedentary, occasionally requiring up to 10 pounds of force to move files or office supplies. Requires manual dexterity for keyboarding, visual and auditory acuity for operating office systems, and high mental acuity for logical decision-making.  

• Environment: Work is performed in a safe, secure, and professional office environment.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.