Payroll Administrator (Administrator III)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Law (DOL) is seeking an experienced payroll and timekeeping administrator to join the Financial Services Team. This position is best suited for a professional with outstanding attention to detail, ability to work as part of a team, enthusiasm for customer service, and knowledge of effective, accurate timekeeping and payroll practices. In this position, you'll have the opportunity to work on challenging payroll issues and support two different payroll cycles (monthly and biweekly). The Financial Services Unit exists to provide accounting, payroll, and financial reporting services to the Department of Law (DOL or Department). This unit develops and implements processes for services including: financial reporting (internal management, state, and federal), accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, payroll, fiscal policy and procedures, encumbrance management (purchase orders and contracts), budget monitoring, and contracting. This unit provides advice and assistance to executive management and all sections and programs within DOL. The Department executes a mixed budget of general, cash, reappropriated, and federal funds. This work unit also processes DOL payroll for over 700 employees.

Requirements

Six years of professional experience in payroll administration, accounting, or other closely related role.
A combination of in accounting, finance, business administration or other directly related education and/or relevant experience in payroll administration, accounting or other closely related role to the work assigned equal to six (6) years. Education will only substitute for up to five (5) years of the required experience.
Outstanding attention to detail
Effective verbal and written communication
Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to review, verify, and reconcile complex payroll and timekeeping data accurately.
Proficiency with MS Office suite, particularly Excel, including familiarity with complex formulas such as VLOOKUP.
Solid foundational math skills, necessary for calculating payroll adjustments, accruals, reconciliations, and verifying accuracy across multiple data sources.
Ability to adapt, including evolving systems, new policies, and shifting operational priorities, while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

State of Colorado payroll processing experience is highly desired
Demonstrated experience processing high-volume payroll (generally 500–800+ employees) in a fast-paced environment, with a strong track record of managing large employee groups and executing both biweekly and monthly payroll cycles with accuracy and efficiency using a payroll software system.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain payroll concepts, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide guidance to employees and supervisors.
State of Colorado payroll experience (including knowledge of state fiscal rules, personnel rules, statewide systems, and PERA processes) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Prepare and enter bi-weekly and monthly payroll for 700 plus employees.
Administer DOL payroll system in accordance with State fiscal rules, IRS, and other federal requirements.
Evaluate various data sources to enter and update employee records in the payroll system, including W-4s, Direct Deposit forms.
Certify employee W-2 reports at year-end, reconciling gross earnings, federal and state withholding, Medicare tax, etc.
Calculate, complete, and ensure timely submission of the 6-month certification of earnings to PERA for retiring employees.
Identify changes to procedures or processes based on data analysis or to ensure compliance with changes in fiscal rules, personnel rules, or other requirements.
Identify and compile requested payroll documentation for audits and submit responses to Payroll Supervisor, Payroll Lead, and Controller.
Serve as a liaison to central service agencies for payroll specific responsibilities (e.g., Central Payroll, State Controller’s Office, DHR, etc.).
Present payroll information and answer questions during new employee orientation.
Coordinate and administer the EcoPass program.
Manage payroll related tables in the State’s systems, ensuring payroll related tables are kept up to date.
Ensure all payroll and payroll-related systems are in balance and accurate.
Conduct audits and analyze payroll accounting data to identify discrepancies and/or errors and create adjusting/correcting entries into the payroll or accounting system to correct errors or allocate pay within funding lines in accordance with applicable rules and guidance.
Reconcile suspended balances for benefits.
Serve as backup for the Department’s contact for the Timekeeping System and the statewide modernization project.
Monitor, reconcile, and adjust accruals for complex leave situations including leave without pay (LWOP), partial month earnings, donated leave, and final payouts upon termination/retirement.
Monitor staff accrual balances for close to the max or over max leave accruals and oversees end-of-year forfeiture processes.
Oversee the monthly and biweekly timecard approval process by ensuring all time off and holiday requests are entered and approved by supervisor, ensuring timecards add up to the correct total and signs off on all timecards once complete.
Identify Timekeeping System reporting needs/requirements and designs and develops ongoing reports to meet these needs.
Provide training, as necessary, to support compliance with policies and procedures.
Serve as backup as the liaison to central service agencies for timekeeping responsibilities (e.g., State Controller’s Office, DHR, etc.).

Benefits

Competitive medical and dental health plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Paid holidays
Retirement plans with Colorado PERA
Vacation and sick leave earned each month
10 paid holidays per year
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Free access to an on-site fitness center
Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program