Payroll/AP Specialist

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll/AP Specialist to support municipal finance operations in New Prague, Minnesota. This is a long-term contract position.

About the role

This role is ideal for someone who can manage payroll and accounts payable activities while contributing to broader accounting and financial recordkeeping functions across multiple public funds. The role calls for sound judgment, accuracy, and the ability to work independently within established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll activities, including pay processing, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, retirement reporting, and payroll balancing tasks.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable workflows by handling invoices, issuing payments, recording receipts, and maintaining accurate vendor and customer records.
• Record financial activity in the general ledger by preparing journal entries, posting transactions, and reconciling assigned accounts and supporting ledgers.
• Monitor banking transactions, complete regular bank reconciliations, and assist with cash tracking and investment-related documentation.
• Support budgeting, month-end and year-end close, fund accounting, and financial reporting in partnership with finance leadership.
• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting materials, and respond to documentation requests during annual audit activities.
• Maintain organized accounting files, spreadsheets, assessment records, and supporting documentation for governmental and enterprise funds.
• Complete required payroll, tax, retirement, and regulatory filings, including year-end reporting and other mandated submissions to government agencies.
• Respond to questions from employees, departments, vendors, auditors, and the public while helping ensure compliance with financial policies and applicable regulations.
• Provide administrative support for elections and serve as backup support for other office functions as needed.

Requirements

• Experience processing full-cycle payroll with responsibility for deductions, tax reporting, reconciliations, and related compliance tasks.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, account reconciliation, and general accounting record maintenance.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and confidence using payroll or accounting systems in a detail-focused setting.
• Background handling bi-weekly payroll for a small to mid-sized employee population, including payroll review and balancing.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records across multiple funds, accounts, or reporting categories.
• Familiarity with payroll reporting requirements, including year-end forms and agency filings.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage confidential financial information appropriately.
• Experience working in a government, municipal, or other highly regulated finance environment is preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.
• Eligibility to enroll in the company 401(k) plan.