Payroll/Benefits Clerk-EXAM

Payroll/Benefits Clerk-EXAM

Salary

$23.54 - $35.29 Hourly

Location

Varies by position

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-0414-C1

Department

Exam for Various Departments

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

11/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Definition

Under direction, is responsible for performing payroll and/or benefit functions; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Processes personnel/payroll transactions, adjustments and corrections into computerized payroll system;
• Compiles and prepares statistical reports, summaries, and statements related to payroll and/or benefits;
• Provides information to employees on payroll matters, benefit plans, and collective bargaining agreements;
• Identifies problem areas and recommends solutions in payroll/personnel procedural practices;
• Responds to questions or complaints regarding payroll; resolves problems by performing qualitative reviews of individual cases;
• Locates and consolidates various information for reports or to resolve conflicts or errors;
• Performs mathematical computations related to personnel activities, such as vacation or sick leave accrual, rates of pay for varying terms, and overtime dollars or compensation time earned;
• Prepares, audits, and validates payroll; maintains personnel record files; processes personnel transactions;
• Explains policies and procedures that may require rule interpretation in answering payroll/personnel inquiries;
• Prepares and processes forms for automatic payroll deductions such as insurance, garnishments, and bargaining unit contributions;
• Processes and tracks claims for short-term and long-term disability, injury leave, FMLA, and workers compensation;
• Answers employees questions regarding benefit insurance programs; answers questions regarding benefits such as retirement, group insurance, workers compensation, and tuition reimbursement;
• May communicate with physicians, hospitals, and employees regarding claims.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of the twelfth school grade and four (4) years of general office experience. Substitution(s): A certificate of high school equivalence (GED) will be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma. College training may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis (thirty (30) semester/forty-five (45) quarter credit hours equals one (1) year).

Test/Job Contact Information

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list for this classification. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439.

The examination process will consist of a computerized exam weighted 100% covering Applying Payroll Policies (Reading Comprehension/Information Ordering), Basic Math, Problem Sensitivity, Logic and Reasoning, Name & Number Comparison, and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel 2019/2021.

The exam is expected to be administered in late November-Early December 2026. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidates name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

01

Have you completed the twelfth school grade, possess a high school diploma, or possess a GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Select the statement below that best describes your qualifications.

• I have four or more years of general office experience
• I have at least three years of general office experience and at least one year of college education (30 semester or 45 quarter hours).
• I have at least two years of general office experience and at least two years of college education (60 semester or 90 quarter hours).
• None of the above apply. I do not meet all of the minimum qualifications for the job.

03

Did you include all of your relevant work experience and job duties that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications for the job? If no, return to the "Work" section of this application and add relevant work experience and job duties. Note: A resume attachment does not substitute for including the relevant information in the "Work" section of this application.

• Yes, I listed every job and job duty in the "Work" section of this application that demonstrates that I meet the minimum experience qualifications for the job.
• No, I do not meet all of the minimum experience qualifications for the job.

04

Did you attach a copy of official documentation of your college education to your application? "Official documentation" is an official transcript or a diploma. An advising report is not considered official.

• Yes, I have attached a copy of official documentation to my application showing proof of my college education.
• No, I meet the minimum experience qualifications for the job (4 years) and do not need to attach proof of education.
• No, I do not meet all of the minimum experience qualifications for the job.

Required Question

Employer City of Columbus

Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330

Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Phone (614) 645-8301

Website https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs