Job Details

Salary : $63,856.00 - $89,232.00 Annually
Location : Idaho Falls, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-0116
Department: Municipal Services
Division: Finance Administration
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
Closing Date: 2/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

General Purpose
This position ensures accurate and compliant payroll operations from employee onboarding through offboarding. It manages personnel updates, maintains payroll systems, and processes complex pay scenarios while delivering excellent internal service. Working closely with finance and HR teams, the role supports biweekly payroll, tax reporting, audits, and budget development. It also contributes to financial transparency and operational efficiency by monitoring compliance, supporting internal controls, and providing analytical insight.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under supervision of the City of Idaho Falls Treasury Operations Manager and City of Idaho Falls Treasurer/Finance Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.
Essential Functions
This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate payroll operations for every employee, from onboarding to offboarding. It involves managing individual pay records and processing updates such as new hires, terminations, rate changes, benefits, and personnel action forms. The role configures payroll codes and systems, trains staff on timekeeping software and ensures precise calculations for complex situations like approved leaves (Military, FMLA, etc.), garnishments, shared leave, one-time adjustments, and earnings and deductions.
This position helps run biweekly payrolls, resolves discrepancies, and responds to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy. It also manages essential tax and benefits reporting monthly, quarterly, and annually including W-2s, 941s, ACA reporting, and unemployment filings.
Ensuring compliance is key: the role monitors adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, union contracts, and city policies. It oversees payroll codes, validates calculations, and upholds internal controls. Monthly account reconciliations and support for audits ensure the integrity of payroll data and processes.
Beyond regular payroll duties, the role contributes to budget planning and forecasting in cooperation with the General Accounting Team. It maintains position control records and supports changes in payroll structures. This position also operates standard office equipment as needed and performs additional duties to keep operations running smoothly.
Collaborates closely with the Finance Manager finance team to support seamless payroll operations, including preparation, processing, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness every step of the way.
Contributes to the development of the annual budget and plays a key role in compiling the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, providing reliable insights and detailed financial analysis.
Partners with departments across the organization to review internal controls and ensure compliance with citywide financial, operational, and personnel policies, helping maintain transparency and accountability.
Supports audit processes by gathering documentation, verifying system entries, and serving as a responsive resource for other departments, solving problems and fielding questions with professionalism and poise.
Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education and Experience:
A. Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or other related field;
AND
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting.

OR
B. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working Knowledge of: The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of standard payroll deductions, including those specific to City programs and benefits. They should be proficient in payroll processing and reporting, with a working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, City policies affecting payroll procedures, and the structure and functions of City departments. Familiarity with payroll-related software is also essential.
Ability to: The role requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, and to perform complex mathematical calculations with precision. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to develop effective working relationships with division heads, supervisors, and colleagues. The candidate must be able to handle confidential information responsibly, demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
3. Special Qualifications:
None

Work Environment
Typical office setting with standard climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching, generally without significant muscular strain. Job functions typically require speaking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity is necessary for most essential functions. Mental demands include memory for details, following verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For further information regarding City of Idaho Falls benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.

Temporary jobs and part-time positions that regularly work less than 20 hours per week typically do not qualify for benefits.
01

What best describes your level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College/Vocational Training
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher

02

A bachelor's degree in accounting, Human Resources, Finance or another related field is required. What field is your degree in? Be sure this is also documented in the Education Section of the application.
03

Select the option that best describes your years of paid work experience in accounting and/or Payroll. If any. Make sure your answer is supported in the Employee History section of the job application.

• None
• 1-23 months
• 2-3 Years
• 4-5 Years
• 6-7 Years
• 8-9 Years
• 10 Years or More

Required Question