Payroll Specialist

Working under the direction of the HRIS/Payroll Administrator, the Payroll Specialist performs a variety of technical and administrative duties related to the accurate and timely processing of the City’s payroll while providing a high level of customer service to employees and departments. This position requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

This position is responsible for payroll operations through reviewing timekeeping data, completing payroll processing, maintaining records, reporting, audits, and system maintenance to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as City policies and procedures. Work is performed with minimal oversight and monitoring by the supervisor.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE: Payroll principles, practices, and procedures; Federal and state payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws; Basic accounting principles related to payroll processing; Timekeeping systems and payroll software; Recordkeeping and data management practices.
SKILL: Reviewing and auditing payroll and timekeeping data for accuracy; Organizing and maintaining payroll records; Interpreting policies, procedures, and payroll guidelines; Providing clear and helpful responses to employee inquiries.
ABILITY: Process payroll information accurately while meeting strict deadlines; Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information; Analyze payroll discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently; Communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and departments; Prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines; Work independently while coordinating with HR and Finance staff.
TRAINING: Associate degree from an accredited college or university - required in accounting, finance, or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Fundamental Payroll Certification or Certified Payroll Professional designation preferred.
EXPERIENCE: 3 years of relevant payroll experience, including at least one year of technical payroll processing experience including experience using an automated payroll system. Municipal or public sector accounting work preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:  

• Process bi-weekly payroll in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure accurate and timely processing of system actions including employee records, pay and classification changes.
• Review employee timecards and payroll transactions for accuracy and completeness, including hours worked, leave usage, overtime, and compensatory time.
• Assist departments and supervisors with timekeeping and payroll questions, including troubleshooting time entry and pay discrepancies.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, taxes, and payroll procedures.
• Process payroll adjustments such as retroactive pay, leave payouts, and other compensation changes as directed.
• Maintains appropriate records to support all payroll transactions, including but not limited to, calculating and inputting salary changes, deduction changes, earnings, garnishments, retirement information, and payroll taxes as they relate to current state and federal requirements.
• Process retirement contributions, and other payroll deductions to appropriate agencies and providers.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with applicable retention requirements.
• Prepare complex payroll analysis and reports to support payroll transactions for financial reporting and audit purposes to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and City policies.
• Assist with data requests related to payroll, benefits deductions, and the allocation of labor costs across departments, funds and projects.
• Monitor quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and reports to ensure timely remittance of payroll taxes.
• Complete year-end payroll processes to include W-2 preparation, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal requirements in compensation.
• Support the maintenance and updates of payroll-related data within the City’s HRIS system.
• Support and develop process improvements and documentation of payroll procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Facilitate payroll-related special projects and cross-train in various Finance department functions, as needed.
• Assist end users on payroll protocol and use of the timekeeping system.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s license with a safe driving record required. 
• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation. 

Please ensure your application is complete and submitted prior to 11:59 pm on May 12, 2026, to be considered. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the process.