Payroll Specialist

About the Role

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Payroll Specialist in the Finance Department. This is a non-represented, hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in delivering accurate, reliable payroll support and enjoys work that blends routine processes with analytical problem-solving. As a key contributor to the City’s payroll operations, you’ll handle a wide range of responsibilities—from processing timesheets and maintaining employee records to auditing payroll data and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. The work is detail-oriented and collaborative, connecting you with HR, department leaders, and employees across the organization.

This is an opportunity for someone who thrives in a structured environment but appreciates the challenge of navigating exceptions and unique scenarios. You’ll use your analytical skills, customer service mindset, and strong technical abilities to keep payroll operations efficient and reliable. If you enjoy balancing routine responsibilities with investigative problem-solving and want to contribute to a team that supports every employee across the organization, this may be the position for you!

Classification Framework: Payroll Specialist

What You'll Do

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Process, audit, and maintain payroll data, including timesheets, payroll changes, leave accruals, and salary/benefit calculations to ensure accurate and timely payroll runs.
• Research and resolve payroll inquiries and discrepancies from employees, departments, and management, providing clear guidance and issue resolution.
• Generate, audit, and reconcile payroll registers, identifying errors and taking corrective action to ensure accurate system calculations.
• Prepare and submit payroll-related payments and reports to agencies including IRS, state revenue departments, retirement systems, insurance carriers, and other benefit providers.
• Balance and file required monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reports, including preparation and distribution of W-2s.
• Perform payroll account reconciliations and internal payroll audits to maintain accuracy, compliance, and a complete audit trail.
• Support payroll system operations, including recommending process improvements, coordinating system updates, testing enhancements, and maintaining the payroll/general ledger interface.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, policies, and state and federal payroll laws, maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding payroll data.
• Assist with payroll-related analysis and reporting, including budgeting support and preparation of payroll information for management.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone with high attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and a customer service mindset. The ideal candidate values collaboration and communication and has a strong commitment to compliance.

Highly qualified candidates will bring a solid grasp of core payroll processing practices, and working knowledge of state and federal payroll tax rules, wage laws, and FLSA overtime requirements.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school, AND
• Experience: At least 2 years’ experience providing payroll processing and support; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

• None

• Professional Payroll certification preferred
• Government experience preferred
• Experience implementing union contracts preferred

What to Know Before Applying

Application Deadline: Applications received by March 31, 2026, and 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.