Payroll Coordinator, Finance

Deschutes County Human Resources • Bend, OR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Coordinator supports Deschutes County’s payroll operations as part of the Finance Department’s Accounting team and reports directly to the payroll supervisor. The position processes monthly payroll, with a focus on accurate timesheets, leave calculations, and salary adjustments. It works closely with Human Resources and County departments to maintain data integrity, handle complex payroll transactions, respond to inquiries and complaints, and comply with tax laws and reporting standards. Duties also include reconciling payments to agencies, preparing tax filings and W-2 forms, contributing to payroll system enhancements, and upholding legal and contractual obligations. The role requires flexibility and strong communication because the small accounting team handles a broad range of responsibilities.

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with a typical 40-hour work week. Work hours may be adjusted between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for a hybrid arrangement, subject to policy and supervisor approval. The accounting team works remotely one day per week on Mondays.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Accounting or a related field and three years of payroll accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience providing the required skills and knowledge.
• Knowledge of payroll accounting rules, regulations, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and protocols.
• Knowledge of general accounting standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to verify and reconcile payroll information and maintain payroll documentation and reports.
• Ability to research and evaluate payroll and benefits issues, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and explain technical aspects of payroll and benefits policies and procedures.
• Self-motivation, strong analytical abilities, meticulous attention to detail, flexibility, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to efficiently extract, analyze, and manipulate financial data.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional certification or comparable professional certification.
• Experience processing payroll for multiple bargaining units.
• Experience with Oregon PERS.
• Experience with full-cycle payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll, benefits, and technical transactions in compliance with federal and state rules and regulations and County policies.
• Work independently to meet precise deadlines and accuracy standards while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Review employee timesheets for accuracy; calculate hours worked, vacation and sick leave hours, and other payroll information; reconcile data entry; and enter information into a confidential payroll computer system.
• Collect payroll, benefits, and administrative information and compile data for reports.
• Identify and research payroll issues, recommend solutions, and prepare and distribute required reports.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and departments to maintain data integrity and handle complex payroll transactions and inquiries.
• Reconcile payments to agencies and prepare tax filings and W-2 forms.
• Contribute to payroll system enhancements and uphold legal and contractual obligations.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a stated minimal monthly cost.
• On-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement through PERS.
• Paid time off, starting at 14–18 hours per month (pro-rated for part-time).
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree