Payroll Specialist

Jefferson County CO•Golden, CO

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

Jefferson County’s Finance department is seeking a Payroll Specialist to maintain the County’s time and leave software system and support bi-weekly payroll operations. The role includes updating employee schedules and pay rules, entering new employee information, making system changes related to organizational changes, responding to employee questions, and helping managers and supervisors with questions and reporting needs. Annual and periodic system processes include updating holidays, maintaining stretch pay and shift changes, and supporting future software upgrades as a subject matter expert. The Payroll Specialist serves as the lead specialist for most pay-cycle activities, coordinating with IT, payroll staff, and the payroll manager to process payroll accurately. Duties may include processing and verifying W-4s and direct deposits, handling military pay, calculating accrual payouts for terminated and retiring employees, and addressing pay adjustments. The position backs up the payroll manager for payroll closing activities and may stand in for the Payroll Supervisor when absent. It also handles employee inquiries about higher-level payroll services, coordinates with retirement companies and the Treasurer’s Office, and assists with special projects and other assigned duties. This is a full-time, standard 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday, with flexibility in availability times. The role is hybrid, with remote and in-office work determined by the onboarding and training period and business needs. The hiring range is $27.74–$34.68 per hour, with compensation determined by education, experience, and skills.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
At least three years of work-related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Provide professional customer service through verbal and written communication.
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and experience levels.
Work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and pivot based on priorities.
Demonstrate collaboration and teamwork.
Accurately and thoroughly execute tasks, assess efficiency, and recommend process improvements.
Demonstrate organizational skills, high standards of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-up initiative.
Communicate technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Be highly proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Complete required pre-employment screening, which may include criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and references.
A valid Colorado driver’s license is required within 30 days of hire or beginning service only for positions requiring driving on County business in a county or personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience in payroll processing.
Experience with a financial software system such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or JD Edwards.
Ability to self-teach and develop proficiency with a variety of technology and software.

Responsibilities

Maintain the County’s time and leave software system, including employee schedules, pay rules, employee records, and changes resulting from organizational changes.
Answer employee questions and assist managers and supervisors with system questions and reporting needs.
Lead most pay-cycle activities and coordinate with IT, payroll staff, and the payroll manager to process bi-weekly payroll.
Process and verify W-4s and direct deposits, handle military pay, calculate accrual payouts for terminated and retiring employees, and address pay situations requiring adjustments.
Back up the payroll manager for payroll closing activities and potentially stand in for the Payroll Supervisor during their absence.
Serve as a main contact for employee inquiries about higher-level payroll services, including interim checks and deferring final paychecks into 457 accounts.
Work with retirement companies to ensure regulations are followed and coordinate with the Treasurer’s Office regarding payments.
Complete annual and periodic time and leave system processes, including updating holidays and maintaining stretch pay and shift changes.
Act as a subject matter expert for future software upgrades.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.