Payroll Accountant (Accountant II)

Job Description:

Payroll Accountant (Accountant II)

Description

Finance - Accounts Division
Location: 414 E. 12th St.
Pay: $24.77-$37.16 an hour
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. *Telework available after 6 month probationary period
Application Deadline Date: May 8, 2026


Responsibilities

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What you'll do

• Process wage garnishments, including child support, student loans, wage assignments, bankruptcy orders, and state and federal tax levies to ensure legal compliance and accurate payroll deductions
• Maintain garnishment documentation and respond to employee and external customer inquiries to provide clear, timely information
• Manage direct deposit enrollments and W-4 processing to support accurate payroll setup and tax withholding
• Assist with the annual W-2 process and serve as a primary point of contact for W-2 questions and corrections
• Reconcile payroll garnishment liability accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain accurate financial records
• Create and submit payment vouchers and journal entries in the City's financial system for payroll-related transactions
• Research and respond to payroll-related inquiries, cross-train within the Payroll Section, and serve as backup support when needed

What success looks like

• Garnishments, tax forms, and payroll transactions are processed accurately and on time
• Payroll accounts reconcile cleanly with discrepancies identified and resolved quickly
• Employees and external partners receive clear, accurate responses to payroll inquiries
• Payroll records are audit-ready and compliant with all applicable regulations
• The Payroll Section operates smoothly with reliable cross-coverage

What you get

• Stable, long-term role supporting essential City operations
• Opportunities to build specialized knowledge in payroll, taxation, and compliance
• Collaborative team environment with cross-training and shared responsibility
• Experience that supports career growth within finance and payroll administration

Why this role matters
Accurate payroll is critical to employee trust and organizational integrity. This role ensures employees are paid correctly, legal requirements are met, and payroll operations remain compliant, timely, and reliable.
What you'll bring

• Experience handling payroll processes, garnishments, or financial transactions
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information
• Ability to research issues and resolve discrepancies independently
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to cross-train and support team operations as needed

Qualifications

REQUIRES an accredited Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related subject area and 2 years of experience in entry-level, professional accounting work; OR an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience. Conditionally accepting May 2026 graduates. Preference given for a degree in accounting, finance, or business.


Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).