City of Port St. Lucie, FL
Senior Payroll Specialist- Finance Department
City of Port St. Lucie, FL, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, United States
Salary:
See Position Description Location :
Port St. Lucie FL 34984, FL Job Type:
FULL-TIME Job Number:
202503075 Department:
FINANCE DEPARTMENT Opening Date:
10/31/2025 Closing Date:
11/7/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer. Please note that this is an external job posting intended for non-city employees. If you are a current city employee applying through this posting, your application will not be reviewed with other internal candidates. In order to be considered with internal candidates, please apply on the internal posting by clicking
HERE The starting salary for this position is $28.44 - $32.71, depending on qualifications Specialized accounting work in preparing payroll checks and direct deposits as required.Compiling, maintaining, and verifying diverse statistical, fiscal, and bookkeeping records and accounts. Prepare annual police pension reports and provide support to the decentralized payroll function. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City. This position is an Essential classification and will be required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency. This is not a remote position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The following duties are illustrative for this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the City of Port St. Lucie at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations. Process payroll timely for City employees including data entry, importing system files, proofing reports, and balancing all ledgers associated with the payroll, such as pension accounts and payroll liability accounts. Prepare requests for check, ACH, and wires to various vendors for deductions and taxes including proper documentation to diverse entities. Prepare alternative reports upon request from management. Work with auditors to provide any requested documentation. Prepare reports such as IRS form W2, Wage and Tax Statement, Employer's Quarterly Federal tax return (IRS form 941), and unemployment wages for submission to various state and federal agencies. Assist in the preparation of the annual police pension valuation reports, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), final paycheck calculations for sworn officers, and complete pension requests. Review and make determinations on accrual status then run the accrual process. Stay current on payroll procedures, best practices, regulations, and relevant legislative changes. Attend specialized training, workshops, and seminars when necessary. Ensure that compensation, tax, and benefit payments comply with laws, regulations, and Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations. Process the year-end closing as it relates to payroll; prepare data for actuarial reports; prepare and record journal entries for all payroll related transactions. Respond to pay-related inquiries from City staff. Interact and communicate professionally with all City Departments to keep up to date with the changes in processes and the Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations which govern the police and City. May serve as back-up in other locations of the department to cover staff shortages. Evaluate, recommend, and establish policies and procedures to continuously improve operations, decrease turn-around times, and streamline processes to provide quality customer service. Other duties as may be assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Accounting or related field preferred. Three (3) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or related field is in a mid-to-large organization with 500+ employees required. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Possession of the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or related certification preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations. Knowledge of office procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and accounting principles, rules and regulations. Knowledge of payroll processes. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel PivotTables, pivot charts, conditional formatting, and aggregation formulas. Ability to research and analyze findings. Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports and statements. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to maintain accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to work independently in a time sensitive environment. Ability to meet payroll and pension deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Ability to focus on the positive in every situation. Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization. Ability to stay centered when challenged. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to follow through with assigned tasks. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The office environment is fast paced. Documentation Requirements
Please Read Carefully
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must upload and submit attached copies of their education credentials with the employment application. Please be sure to attach all required documents to your employment application each time you apply. Uploaded documents remain in your online profile, but they will not attach automatically, and you will be deemed ineligible without the proper documentation.
ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST BE CLEAR, LEGIBLE, AND IN PROPER FORMAT.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S) ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AND ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF: Proof of education in the form of a diploma, degree, or transcripts. Foreign diplomas/degrees must be submitted with a credential evaluation report from an approved credential evaluation agency*.
Translations of diplomas/degrees are not accepted. Audit/Academic reports are not accepted as substitutions for college transcripts. Driver's License:
A Valid Driver's License from any state (Equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; however, within thirty (30) days from the date of hire, a State of Florida Driver's License (Class E or higher) must be presented.
*Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies:
Credential evaluation reports showing the United States equivalency for academic credentials earned in other countries may be provided by:
An accredited four-year college or university in the United States, OR A current member of the
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES),
OR A current member of the
Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE),
OR A recognized Professional Organization
For an additional list of approved credential evaluation agencies, visit the
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documents submitted with the employment application are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible for eligibility determination or risk being disqualified.
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must completely detail their work experience on the employment application or risk being disqualified. Resumes will not be reviewed in place of the employment application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to update their online profile with personal data, work experience, education, and certifications when submitting application(s); failure to do so may result in disqualification. 12 paid holidays per year
Vacation Leave: 1-3 years- 10 days 4-9 years- 15 days 10-19 years- 20 days 20+ years- 25 days PT employees accrue depending on hours worked Personal Days : 2 days for non-exempt employees per year 3 days for exempt employees per year
Sick Time: FT employees accrue 8 hours per month PT employees accrue 4 hours per month
Retirement Plan: The City contributes an amount equal to 11.4% of an eligible employee's biweekly earnings into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. Employee contributes 1%. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth IRA $50,000 Basic Term Life Insurance $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
Optional Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account Wellness Program Health Reimbursement Account Employee Assistance Plan Supplemental Life Legal insurance
The of City Port St. Lucie provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. For additional details on benefits offer by the City of Port St. Lucie, see the link below.
01
Are you a City of Port St. Lucie employee?
Yes No
02
Are you currently on any probationary period with the City?If you answer "yes" to this question, In accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations, "Probationary employees shall not be permitted to apply for open positions until having satisfactorily completed their probationary period. The City Manager has the right to waive the provisions of this paragraph." If you are a current City employee, on probation and would like to seek pre-approval from the City Manager, please complete and email the request form and submit to Human Resources prior to the closing date of the posting at recruitment@cityofpsl.com. Failure to seek pre-approval will result in rejection of the application. In the interim please submit the application while waiting on approval.Request to Apply for Open Internal Position Form can be found on the Water Cooler at the link listed in the summary of the job posting.
Yes No
03
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent GED? A high school diploma or GED must be presented at time of employment.
Yes No
04
Do you have an Associate's Degree in accounting or a related field?
Yes No
05
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or a related field in a mid-to-large organization with 500+ employees?
Yes No
06
Please list any certifications that you have related to this position. Required Question
See Position Description Location :
Port St. Lucie FL 34984, FL Job Type:
FULL-TIME Job Number:
202503075 Department:
FINANCE DEPARTMENT Opening Date:
10/31/2025 Closing Date:
11/7/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer. Please note that this is an external job posting intended for non-city employees. If you are a current city employee applying through this posting, your application will not be reviewed with other internal candidates. In order to be considered with internal candidates, please apply on the internal posting by clicking
HERE The starting salary for this position is $28.44 - $32.71, depending on qualifications Specialized accounting work in preparing payroll checks and direct deposits as required.Compiling, maintaining, and verifying diverse statistical, fiscal, and bookkeeping records and accounts. Prepare annual police pension reports and provide support to the decentralized payroll function. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City. This position is an Essential classification and will be required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency. This is not a remote position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The following duties are illustrative for this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the City of Port St. Lucie at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations. Process payroll timely for City employees including data entry, importing system files, proofing reports, and balancing all ledgers associated with the payroll, such as pension accounts and payroll liability accounts. Prepare requests for check, ACH, and wires to various vendors for deductions and taxes including proper documentation to diverse entities. Prepare alternative reports upon request from management. Work with auditors to provide any requested documentation. Prepare reports such as IRS form W2, Wage and Tax Statement, Employer's Quarterly Federal tax return (IRS form 941), and unemployment wages for submission to various state and federal agencies. Assist in the preparation of the annual police pension valuation reports, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), final paycheck calculations for sworn officers, and complete pension requests. Review and make determinations on accrual status then run the accrual process. Stay current on payroll procedures, best practices, regulations, and relevant legislative changes. Attend specialized training, workshops, and seminars when necessary. Ensure that compensation, tax, and benefit payments comply with laws, regulations, and Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations. Process the year-end closing as it relates to payroll; prepare data for actuarial reports; prepare and record journal entries for all payroll related transactions. Respond to pay-related inquiries from City staff. Interact and communicate professionally with all City Departments to keep up to date with the changes in processes and the Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations which govern the police and City. May serve as back-up in other locations of the department to cover staff shortages. Evaluate, recommend, and establish policies and procedures to continuously improve operations, decrease turn-around times, and streamline processes to provide quality customer service. Other duties as may be assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Accounting or related field preferred. Three (3) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or related field is in a mid-to-large organization with 500+ employees required. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Possession of the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or related certification preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of Union Collective Bargaining Agreements and City Rules and Regulations. Knowledge of office procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and accounting principles, rules and regulations. Knowledge of payroll processes. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel PivotTables, pivot charts, conditional formatting, and aggregation formulas. Ability to research and analyze findings. Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports and statements. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to maintain accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to work independently in a time sensitive environment. Ability to meet payroll and pension deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Ability to focus on the positive in every situation. Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization. Ability to stay centered when challenged. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to follow through with assigned tasks. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The office environment is fast paced. Documentation Requirements
Please Read Carefully
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must upload and submit attached copies of their education credentials with the employment application. Please be sure to attach all required documents to your employment application each time you apply. Uploaded documents remain in your online profile, but they will not attach automatically, and you will be deemed ineligible without the proper documentation.
ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST BE CLEAR, LEGIBLE, AND IN PROPER FORMAT.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S) ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AND ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF: Proof of education in the form of a diploma, degree, or transcripts. Foreign diplomas/degrees must be submitted with a credential evaluation report from an approved credential evaluation agency*.
Translations of diplomas/degrees are not accepted. Audit/Academic reports are not accepted as substitutions for college transcripts. Driver's License:
A Valid Driver's License from any state (Equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; however, within thirty (30) days from the date of hire, a State of Florida Driver's License (Class E or higher) must be presented.
*Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies:
Credential evaluation reports showing the United States equivalency for academic credentials earned in other countries may be provided by:
An accredited four-year college or university in the United States, OR A current member of the
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES),
OR A current member of the
Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE),
OR A recognized Professional Organization
For an additional list of approved credential evaluation agencies, visit the
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documents submitted with the employment application are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible for eligibility determination or risk being disqualified.
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must completely detail their work experience on the employment application or risk being disqualified. Resumes will not be reviewed in place of the employment application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to update their online profile with personal data, work experience, education, and certifications when submitting application(s); failure to do so may result in disqualification. 12 paid holidays per year
Vacation Leave: 1-3 years- 10 days 4-9 years- 15 days 10-19 years- 20 days 20+ years- 25 days PT employees accrue depending on hours worked Personal Days : 2 days for non-exempt employees per year 3 days for exempt employees per year
Sick Time: FT employees accrue 8 hours per month PT employees accrue 4 hours per month
Retirement Plan: The City contributes an amount equal to 11.4% of an eligible employee's biweekly earnings into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. Employee contributes 1%. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth IRA $50,000 Basic Term Life Insurance $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
Optional Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account Wellness Program Health Reimbursement Account Employee Assistance Plan Supplemental Life Legal insurance
The of City Port St. Lucie provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. For additional details on benefits offer by the City of Port St. Lucie, see the link below.
01
Are you a City of Port St. Lucie employee?
Yes No
02
Are you currently on any probationary period with the City?If you answer "yes" to this question, In accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations, "Probationary employees shall not be permitted to apply for open positions until having satisfactorily completed their probationary period. The City Manager has the right to waive the provisions of this paragraph." If you are a current City employee, on probation and would like to seek pre-approval from the City Manager, please complete and email the request form and submit to Human Resources prior to the closing date of the posting at recruitment@cityofpsl.com. Failure to seek pre-approval will result in rejection of the application. In the interim please submit the application while waiting on approval.Request to Apply for Open Internal Position Form can be found on the Water Cooler at the link listed in the summary of the job posting.
Yes No
03
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent GED? A high school diploma or GED must be presented at time of employment.
Yes No
04
Do you have an Associate's Degree in accounting or a related field?
Yes No
05
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or a related field in a mid-to-large organization with 500+ employees?
Yes No
06
Please list any certifications that you have related to this position. Required Question