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Local Government Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CFS

Payroll Specialist

Hamden, CT · On-site

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and union payroll requirements. * Review and ... Qualifications * 3+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a municipal, government, education ...

Trilon

Local Government Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

Interpret and analyze municipal budgets, audited financial statements, payroll schedules, staffing ... Research New York State local government laws, municipal structures, shared service opportunities ...

Trilon Group

Local Government Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Local Government Specialist Department: Corporate/Administrative Employment Type: Full Time ... Interpret and analyze municipal budgets, audited financial statements, payroll schedules, staffing ...

Innovar Group

Regional Payroll Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Manage certified payroll setup, reporting, and compliance for prevailing-wage or government-funded ... Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax requirements. * Construction ...

New

Trilon

Senior Local Government Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

Interpret and analyze municipal budgets, audited financial statements, payroll schedules, staffing ... Research New York State local government laws, municipal structures, shared service opportunities ...

Trilon Group

Senior Local Government Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Senior Local Government Specialist Department: Corporate/Administrative Employment Type: Full Time ... Interpret and analyze municipal budgets, audited financial statements, payroll schedules, staffing ...

Trilon Group

Senior Local Government Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Senior Local Government Specialist Department: Corporate/Administrative Employment Type: Full Time ... Interpret and analyze municipal budgets, audited financial statements, payroll schedules, staffing ...

Illinois School District U-46

Payroll Specialist

Elgin, IL · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

Stay abreast of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with ... Knowledge of payroll tax laws, tax levy and garnishment processing, government payroll regulations ...

Wellpath

RDO Local Government

Santa Paula, CA

Manage key operating metrics, including staffing/schedules/payroll, labor, supply, pharmacy, and staff retention, and provide regular written communications on key performance indicators, statistics ...

Wellpath

RDO Local Government

Santa Paula, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

Manage key operating metrics, including staffing/schedules/payroll, labor, supply, pharmacy, and staff retention, and provide regular written communications on key performance indicators, statistics ...

Wellpath

RDO Local Government

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

Manage key operating metrics, including staffing/schedules/payroll, labor, supply, pharmacy, and staff retention, and provide regular written communications on key performance indicators, statistics ...

Wellpath

RDO Local Government

Santa Paula, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

Manage key operating metrics, including staffing/schedules/payroll, labor, supply, pharmacy, and staff retention, and provide regular written communications on key performance indicators, statistics ...

Wellpath

RDO Local Government

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Manage key operating metrics, including staffing/schedules/payroll, labor, supply, pharmacy, and staff retention, and provide regular written communications on key performance indicators, statistics ...

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Local Government Payroll information

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$15

$27

$39

How much do local government payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for local government payroll in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a local government payroll professional do?

A Local Government Payroll professional is responsible for managing the payroll processes for employees working within a city, county, or other local government entity. Their duties include calculating wages, withholding taxes, processing benefits, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. They also maintain payroll records, handle employee inquiries about pay, and coordinate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely payments. This role is critical for ensuring that all government staff are paid correctly and on schedule. Additionally, payroll professionals must stay updated on changes in laws and regulations affecting employee compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local government payroll professional?

To excel in Local Government Payroll, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, labor laws, and accounting principles, often supported by relevant education or certifications in payroll or finance. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Kronos), timekeeping systems, and government-specific reporting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong organizational skills help professionals manage sensitive data and complex regulations. These abilities are essential to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations within the public sector.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local government payroll, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in local government payroll often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and frequently changing regulations, ensuring timely and accurate payments for a diverse workforce, and managing tight deadlines during payroll cycles. These challenges can be managed by staying up-to-date with relevant laws and policies, implementing robust payroll software, and maintaining clear communication with HR and finance departments. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential, as errors can affect employee satisfaction and compliance.

What is the difference between Local Government Payroll vs Local Government Human Resources Assistant?

AspectLocal Government PayrollLocal Government Human Resources Assistant
Required CredentialsPayroll certifications, basic accounting knowledgeHR certifications, administrative skills
Work EnvironmentOffice setting within government agenciesOffice environment, often interacting with staff and departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government payroll departmentsUsed in government HR departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for administrative roles in government financeRelated but focuses on HR functions

While both roles operate within government agencies, Local Government Payroll specialists focus on processing employee payments and maintaining payroll records, requiring accounting and payroll certifications. In contrast, Local Government Human Resources Assistants handle broader HR functions like recruitment, employee relations, and record-keeping. Both roles are essential for effective government operations but differ in their specific responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Local Government Payroll jobs?

Cities with the most Local Government Payroll job openings:

What states have the most Local Government Payroll jobs?

States with the most job openings for Local Government Payroll jobs include:

Local Government Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Government Payroll job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

CFS

Hamden, CT • On-site

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Payroll Specialist

Location: Greater Hamden area (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Are you an experienced payroll professional looking to make an impact in public service? We are partnering with a well-established Connecticut municipality seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a structured environment, values accuracy, and thrives in a collaborative setting.

Responsibilities
  • Process payroll accurately and on schedule for municipal employees.
  • Maintain payroll records and employee earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit elections.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and union payroll requirements.
  • Review and reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies.
  • Process payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, garnishments, and other payroll transactions.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources and Finance regarding new hires, terminations, and employee changes.
  • Respond to employee payroll questions in a professional and timely manner.
  • Assist with year-end processing, W-2 preparation, audits, and payroll reporting.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a municipal, government, education, or unionized environment.
  • Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Experience processing multi-department or high-volume payroll.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll software.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Municipal or government payroll experience.
  • Experience working with collective bargaining agreements.
  • Familiarity with ERP/payroll systems used by municipalities.
  • CPP designation is a plus.

If you're looking for a stable opportunity where your payroll expertise will directly support your local community, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply