Payroll & Leave Specialist

This position works collaboratively with the HR, Payroll, and Risk Management service areas to support the administration of the City’s payroll, leave, and workers’ compensation programs. If you are a detail-oriented payroll professional with experience in payroll processing, reconciliation, timekeeping, HRIS administration, and payroll tax compliance—and are committed to accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance—this role may be a great fit for you. This position offers the opportunity to apply your expertise while contributing to effective HR, safety, and employee wellbeing programs that support the City and its employees.

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The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive salary and benefit package.Full-time non-union benefits for this position include:
Health Insurance:  Individual coverage for $77.46/month or family coverage for $237.74/month
Additional Coverage Options: Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 10 holidays plus 3 personal days per year
Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid time to care for and bond with a new child
Retirement Plans: IPERS plan and 457(b) plan with 2% match
Life Insurance: City-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage
Disability Coverage: City-paid long-term disability insurance
Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being Program

• Assist with preparing, processing, and reconciling payroll
• Assist with maintaining accurate payroll and timekeeping records
• Assist with configuration of the Payroll/HRIS and Timekeeping software systems
• Assist with remitting monthly insurance benefit premiums for all lines of coverage
• Assist with preparing and remitting quarterly and annual payroll tax payments, documents and reports
• Prepare and maintain workers compensation wage and hour reports
• Prepare and submit data for the annual workers compensation payroll audit and OSHA reports
• Assist with administration of Wellbeing program incentives
• Administer the FMLA and Military leave programs
• Assist with administration of the city’s workers compensation program including coordination of the Return-to-Work temporary light duty accommodation program
• Provide support to facilitate the safety program and policies in collaboration with the Director of Risk Management and Support Services
• Stay updated on wage-and-hour laws, labor laws, and best practices related to payroll, FMLA, workers compensation, etc
• Supports other HR projects and responsibilities as assigned
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Must be able to pass a pre-employment conditional offer: professional reference checks, drug screen, skills assessment testing, motor vehicle report, and background check. Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field, required
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing payroll operations, required
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), required within 1 year of employment
• Certified Payroll Professional certificate, strongly preferred
• Experience with public sector payroll, strongly preferred
• Experience with workers compensation and/or FMLA leave management, strongly preferred
• Valid Driver’s License 

Visit the job description for more details about the skills, knowledges and abilities needed for this position.

The Civil Service testing process for this job posting will consist of a supplemental questionnaire, skills assessments and an oral interview. Qualified candidates advancing in the process will be notified to use the self-scheduling interview feature via automated governmentjobs.com email notifications so apply with a valid email that is checked regularly and consider signing up for optional text message notifications.

Tentative Timeline:

• Supplemental questionnaire: (including with the application materials)
• Skills assessments: Details will be sent to qualified candidates at the close of the job posting on or around September 16, 2026
• Oral Interviews: Tentatively scheduled for October 8th - 9th, 2026
• Approximate start date: Monday November 30, 2026

The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service therefore most employees are offered a starting salary at the minimum of the advertised range.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.