The City of Houghton is looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented, and community-minded individual to join our team as a Payroll and Utility Administrator. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, and love serving the public, this could be a great fit for you.
In this role, you’ll be a key part of our operations — supporting everything from payroll and utility billing to equipment reporting and customer service. You’ll work closely with all departments and gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day workings of city government.
Our city office team is small but mighty. We all pitch in to support one another, cover during busy times or absences, and make sure residents and visitors receive fast, friendly, and reliable service — every time. If you’re someone who enjoys variety, values teamwork, and takes pride in keeping things organized and on track, we’d love to meet you.
WHAT WE OFFER.
We know that an empowered, caring and satisfied staff means a well-run and well-cared for city that it’s residents can be proud of. As such, the City offers:
- $23 – $25 per hour starting pay;
- medical, dental and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance and life insurance;
- no health insurance needed? We’ll pay you $350/month instead;
- Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan (MERS) retirement plan;
- paid vacation, paid sick time, and paid major holidays;
- full-time Monday – Friday position working 8:00am – 5:00pm with a start date in August of 2025.
WHAT YOU WILL DO.
In this role, you’ll wear many hats and get a behind-the-scenes look at how we serve our community. No two days are the same, and you’ll quickly become a key part of the City’s daily operations. Here’s what you’ll be diving into:
- Shadow & Learn. To get started, you’ll spend some time at the front desk, working directly with the public. This hands-on training will help you learn how our departments run, understand the rhythm of daily office life, and get to know the people who make Houghton such a special place. It’s a great way to meet the team, see our services in action, and learn by doing.
- Utility Billing & Water Administration. You’ll oversee utility billing accounts and customer data, import/export water meter readings, process monthly bills and ACH payments, and follow up on past-due accounts. You’ll also help coordinate billing and reporting for Portage Township, maintain seasonal water use tracking spreadsheets, and support general water system admin.
- Payroll & Human Resource Support. Help keep things running smoothly for our team. You’ll process biweekly payroll, handle 941 and state remittances, maintain payroll systems, employee files, and manage employee benefits, including health deductions, and other benefit-related changes as well as stay up to date on union contract changes that impact pay. You’ll also assist with quarterly and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s).
- City Operations & Equipment Reporting. Play a key role in tracking important city resources. You’ll manage salt and sand usage reporting, complete monthly MDOT uploads, track DPW equipment usage, and prepare related journal entries for the general ledger.
- General Office & Annual Duties. Help with many day-to-day and year-end duties. This includes maintaining vault records, managing rental licenses, updating software each month, coordinating hydrant flushing notices, and paying city water bills.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR.
- Preference will be given to candidates with at least 2 years of experience in payroll and billing processes.
- Familiarity with local government operations is a plus—but if you’re new to it and ready to learn, that’s OK too.
- You’re confident working with numbers, spreadsheets, and standard software programs (like Excel, Word and payroll systems), and can back up your skills with real-world experience.
- You’re organized, reliable, and enjoy staying on top of the little things that keep everything running smoothly.
- A valid driver’s license is required. This role includes occasional work-related travel—typically around four times a year, with some overnight stays.
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE AND SERVICES THAT KEEP OUR CITY RUNNING. Apply online at cityofhoughton.hirescore.com
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The City of Houghton received the 2024 Community Excellence Award from the Michigan Municipal League and is the Upper Peninsula’s fastest growing, most exciting city. This is the place to be whether you’re starting a business, planning a visit, or looking for a permanent home. The City of Houghton is an equal opportunity employer.
