SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Mesa County, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, this role supports accurate, timely county-wide payroll operations by processing payroll transactions, entering and validating payroll data, calculating withholdings and benefit payments, and issuing supplemental checks. The position prepares, analyzes, and audits payroll processes and related reports, reconciles payroll and financial records, and provides guidance to departments on payroll documentation, coding, and procedures to ensure compliance and data integrity. The Payroll Lead must exercise sound judgment and discretion, follow established security protocols, promptly report suspected breaches or irregularities, and model ethical behavior in all payroll activities. Strong attention to detail, commitment to data privacy best practices, and the ability to collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT to maintain secure processes and controls are essential.

Requirements

Two (2) years of college or technical school (preferred).
Four (4) years of payroll processing experience.
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional Certificate (desired)

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Transactions Process end‑to‑end payroll transactions including time entry review, merit/pay adjustments, retroactive calculations, supplemental checks, direct deposits, withholding and benefit payments.
Prepare and post payroll to the general ledger and reconcile payroll costing for departmental expenditure tracking.
Compliance, Reporting & Audits Verify and reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reports (including Form 941, unemployment filings, W‑2 reconciliation) for multiple entities; assist in W‑2 preparation and employee tax inquiries.
Handle garnishments, levies, and support orders; prepare vouchers, respond to notices, and notify employees as required.
Ensure payroll operations meet federal and state legal requirements (including FLSA) and maintain documentation for audits.
Systems & Data Integrity Maintain payroll system accuracy and access controls; review and validate HR‑provided employee data, merit increases, promotions, hires and terminations.
Monitor, clean, and analyze payroll, absence, and time‑tracking data; produce YTD gross‑to‑net spreadsheets to ensure 941 balancing.
Leadership & Collaboration Provide guidance and foster a team environment for payroll staff; assist in workload division and ensure responsibilities are met for accurate, timely payroll processing.
Act as payroll lead in the manager’s absence; train and support County departments, timekeepers, and HR.
Develop and maintain quality working relationships with HR, Finance, Treasurer, IT, department managers, vendors, and other county stakeholders.
Customer Service & Communication Respond to employment verifications, payroll inquiries, and vendor correspondence with tact, discretion, and clarity.
Contribute to payroll communications and education (website content, newsletters, training materials).
Continuous Improvement & Special Projects Review and recommend improvements to payroll policies, procedures, and controls; support special projects and inter‑county surveys as assigned.
Uphold cybersecurity awareness and fraud prevention practices within payroll operations.
Confidentiality & Ethics Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive personal and financial data.