Payroll Specialist

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

14d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, in a supportive role to the Senior Payroll Specialist, Support end-to-end payroll processes for monthly and supplemental payrolls, from initial time review through final posting to the general ledger and disbursement. Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery while promoting continuous improvement. Conduct all tasks, communications, and duties with the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing Review timekeeping data, calculate pay, deductions, retroactive adjustments, garnishments, levies, and final checks in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.
Prepare and process direct deposit records, withholding and benefit payments, supplemental checks, merit payments, and other payroll transactions.
Assist with annual W-2 preparation and respond to related inquiries.
System Configuration & Testing Configure ERP functional areas related to Absence, Payroll, and Time Tracking.
Build, test, and implement new system components and software enhancements in coordination with the software team.
Reconciliation & Reporting Post payroll to G/L and reconcile payroll banking accounts with Treasurer/Finance; troubleshoot banking issues.
Reconcile and ensure timely disbursement of withholding, benefit, and tax payments to third parties and government agencies.
Assist in preparation and verification of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports (including 941, unemployment, W-2 reconciliation) for Mesa County and the District Attorney tax entities.
Create and submit required external reports (BLS, CDLE, US Census Bureau) and maintain YTD gross-to-net spreadsheets to ensure 941 alignment.
Perform bank reconciliation for the payroll banking account.
Troubleshoot banking questions and issues.
Audits, Compliance & Controls Prepare and execute internal audits to verify policy compliance and accurate system processes.
Maintain knowledge of payroll laws and regulations; interpret and communicate county policy, legal requirements and IRS communications to employees.
Ensure garnishment, levy, and taxable wage base calculations meet legal requirements.
Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement Troubleshoot, clean, and analyze payroll, absence, and time-tracking data; identify trends and present findings to management.
Propose and implement process, policy, and procedural improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
Customer Service & Collaboration Develop positive working relationships with HR, finance, vendors, and other departments; provide training and assistance as needed.
Respond to employment verifications, vendor inquiries, and public or employee payroll questions with tact and discretion.
Special Projects & Other Duties Assist Senior Payroll Specialist and Payroll Manager with special projects, retirement allocations, surveys of peer counties, and other duties as assigned.
Adhere to confidentiality agreement and maintain high standards of integrity.