Financial Support Specialist – Housing and Community Services

Salary to be commensurate with experience

The hiring range for this position is $28.04 - $35.04/hourly

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, December 15, 2025. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

OVERVIEW OF JOB 

The Housing and Community Service’s Financial Support Specialist processes bi-weekly payroll for departmental employees and provides complex administrative and accounting support in the preparation, verification, and implementation of payroll and Human Resources practices. The role ensures compliance with city policies, labor agreements, and regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality customer service to staff and stakeholders. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepares, processes, and verifies the accuracy of bi-weekly payroll for Housing and Community Services employees. 

• Identifies, researches, and resolves complex payroll issues caused by anticipated or unanticipated personnel or scheduling events. 

• Analyzes payroll and HR reports to validate data entered into payroll and personnel systems; leads efforts to address discrepancies and ensure accuracy. 

• Responds to payroll questions, validates timekeeping entries, and performs year-end payroll processing. 

• Prepares complex payroll, personnel, and position-related transactions in accordance with departmental and city requirements. 

• Processes invoices and assists with department AP/AR needs.  

• Applies federal, state, and local regulatory requirements along with city policies and procedures to resolve payroll and personnel matters. 

• Calculates and processes pay and benefit provisions associated with labor agreements or unique departmental work schedules. 

• Administers and updates departmental databases and tracking systems for payroll, personnel, and HR functions. 

• Researches, compiles, audits, and produces reports or documentation as requested. 

• Coordinates payroll and HR procedures  

• Responds to inquiries from staff, supervisors, and managers, providing interpretation of city policies and departmental procedures. 

• Operates a variety of office equipment, including computers, scheduling systems, and software applications. 

• Implements and processes city policies and procedures related to leave programs, including FMLA, injury leave, and military leave. 

• Initiates position requests and tracks vacancies within the Housing and Community Services Department. 

• Completes data entry for personnel and payroll changes. 

• Maintains accurate and confidential personnel files in accordance with city retention requirements. 

• Provides exceptional customer service to HCS employees regarding payroll, benefits, assignments, schedules, leave, and personnel policies. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time or without notice.  

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.  

Education:  

• Associate degree in accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.  

Experience:  

• 2 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial experience and directly related payroll and AP/AR experience. 

• Considerable experience with general accounting principles, computerized accounting systems, and automated payroll systems. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field.  

• Experience in municipal government, public sector operations, or a unionized workforce.  

• Experience working with Workday HRIS platform.  

Knowledge:  

• Payroll processes, automated payroll systems, personnel management practices, and applicable laws and regulations. 

• General Human Resources principles, city policies, procedures, and guidelines. 

• Business English, mathematics, recordkeeping, and customer service methods. 

Skills:  

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and payroll/HR information systems.  

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. 

• Skilled in operating standard office equipment and performing payroll-related clerical tasks. 

• Accurate numeric keyboarding and data entry skills. 

Abilities:  

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, residents, and department leadership. 

• Communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats. 

• Use tact, diplomacy, and de-escalation techniques when handling sensitive or emotional situations. 

• Maintain confidentiality regarding payroll, personnel, and employee records. 

• Perform accurate arithmetic and data analysis. 

• Manage multiple priorities, keep detailed records, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. 

• Provide knowledgeable assistance to staff and the public in person, by phone, and electronically. 

• Exercise strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 

Licenses and Certifications Required:  

• None required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Essential Personnel:  

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.  

Physical Demands:  

• Light physical activity including lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 20 pounds. 

• Occasional walking, standing, or carrying materials. 

• Frequent communication requiring speech and hearing for interactions with staff and residents. 

• Frequent hand-eye coordination for computer and office equipment use. 

• Visual acuity for reading reports, entering data, and performing analysis. 

Work Environment:  

• Work performed primarily in a clean, comfortable office environment. 

Equipment Used:  

• Standard office equipment including computers, calculators, multi-line telephones, copiers, and printers. 

• May occasionally be required to use personal equipment (e.g., personal vehicle or cell phone) in the course of work.