
Payroll Specialist
Location: 14 S. Ft Harrison Ave, 3rd Floor, Clearwater, Florida 33756
Schedule: Hybrid position; after training, alternate weeks remote
***ONLY PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MAY APPLY***
Be the Person Who Makes the Numbers Make Sense!
Are you the person who notices when a number is just a little off? Do you enjoy solving puzzles, digging into reports, figuring out why something happened, and making processes better? Do you like helping others understand complicated information without making their eyes glaze over? If you answered“yes,” we may have the job for you!
We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our Payroll team. This isn't your typical “crunch the numbers and go home” accounting position. You’ll play an important role in keeping payroll processes accurate, efficient, compliant, and running smoothly.
We're Building Something Better!
This is an especially exciting time to join our team because we're currently in the middle of a major Workday implementation, with a planned go-live of January 1, 2027 That means we're not simply maintaining the status quo—we're taking a fresh look at how we do business. We're reviewing our existing systems, processes, reports, integrations, and procedures and asking some important questions:
Can we do this better?
Can we make this easier?
Can we eliminate unnecessary steps?
Can we improve accuracy?
Can technology help us work smarter?
The answer, quite often, is yes! As a Payroll Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to be involved in this transformation. You'll help evaluate current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, test new functionality, analyze results, and help make sure our new systems and processes work the way they should. In other words, you won't just be learning a new system—you'll have a hand in helping shape how we use it. If you enjoy change, problem-solving, technology, and finding better ways to do things,this is a great time to join us.
What Would You Do?
As a Payroll Specialist, you’ll be part detective, part problem solver, part analyst, and part teacher.
Your day may include:
Investigating payroll mysteries – Research and resolve complex payroll issues involving transactions, reports, accounting codes, classifications, and employee pay.
Making sure the numbers add up – Audit payroll records, review system-generated reports, and reconcile information for accuracy.
Helping keep payroll moving – Assist with team workflow while validating information across multiple areas that impact payroll calculations and reporting.
Becoming the rules expert – Interpret and apply federal, state, and local rules and regulations that govern payroll.
Sharing what you know – Help develop training materials and provide training to employees and stakeholders, both one-on-one and in group settings.
Making things better – Bring ideas to the table that improve payroll effectiveness, efficiency, and customer service.
Improving the process – Participate in process improvement and corrective action initiatives.
Supporting the Workday transformation – Help review, test, analyze, and improve processes as we transition to our new Workday environment.
Supporting audits – Assist with internal and external audit requests and help develop reports that identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Working across teams – Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, and other internal and external stakeholders to solve problems and get things done.
What Makes You a Great Fit?
You don't have to know everything on day one. But you should be someone who:
Loves solving problems and getting to the “why” behind an issue.
Has excellent attention to detail — because in payroll, the little things can become big things.
Can look at a complicated report and figure out what it's trying to tell you.
Enjoys working with people and explaining complex concepts in a way that actually makes sense.
Is comfortable with change and excited about learning new systems and processes.
Can look at an existing process and ask, “Is there a better way to do this?”
Can juggle competing priorities and manage your time effectively.
Communicates clearly, professionally, and confidently.
Takes pride in providing excellent customer service.
Isn't afraid to ask questions, investigate, and find solutions.
What Do You Need To Have?
Education: Degree in accounting, business administration or related field
Experience: government accounting, bookkeeping, purchasing or finance support using a personal computer and state-of-the art software applications
Four years of experience as described above, or an associate's degree as described above and two years of experience as described above, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
Experience with the following is highly desirable:
Workday, including Absence Management, Payroll, and Time Tracking
Oracle Financial Applications, particularly Payroll and Time & Labor
Microsoft Office, especially strong Excel(formulas, VLOOKUP’s, subtotals)
Governmental accounting principles and practices
And if you haven't worked with Workday yet, that's okay! We're learning, testing, changing, and building together. A willingness to learn and an interest in technology and process improvement may be just as valuable.
Benefits That Go Beyond the Paycheck
We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!
Want To Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

A dynamic career awaits you at Pinellas County Government. Our over 3,000 employees deliver first class service and make a difference in the community.
We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including paid time off, group health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement package. Explore our career opportunities at www.pinellas.gov/careers and apply today! #WorkGrowMatter
View our excellent benefits package: https://pinellas.gov/what-we-offer/.
Watch this brief video highlighting various career opportunities: lnkd.in/eQgTacM.