Payroll Administrator

Application Closing Date: 1/16/2026

Hiring pay range: $75,358.40 - $92,310.40

Full salary range: $75.358.40 - $109,262.40

Supervison

Non-Supervisory.

General Purpose Of Job

Under the direction of the Finance Director, coordinates the daily activities of the payroll function to include bi-weekly payroll processing and auditing of time and attendance for accuracy. Is responsible for training, assigning and reviewing work, supporting staff, identifying training needs, and participating in the evaluation process. Maintains payroll work calendar and reporting of payroll withholdings. Partners and collaborates with Human Resource functions to deliver timely and accurate pay for Garfield County employees.

Essential Job Functions

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

70 %- Payroll Operations:

• Oversees and processes bi-weekly payroll in accordance with County, State, and Federal regulations for multiple payrolls.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews work in the payroll function area. Functional area duties include the preparation and review of accounting transactions and documents. Responsible for the accurate filing of payroll tax reports and payments. Performs and oversees the necessary calculations and documentation for adjustments, corrections, and overpayments.
• Ensures employee payroll records are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Ensures quality of work in the payroll function. Anticipates issues, performs complex research, and works to resolve and troubleshoot complex payroll problems. Perform quarterly and monthly reviews and reconciliations of assigned accounts including all payroll liability accounts.
• Maintains knowledge of current payroll and accounting principles and implements new or revised policies and procedures in order to comply with legal and accounting regulations.
  
  

10%- Payroll & Time Keeping Systems:

• Provides technical payroll related expertise in support of the County’s payroll system and time and attendance system. Implements updates, recommends improvements, and is responsible for assisting with systems issue resolution between payroll and other functional areas.
• Conducts regular audits of payroll systems and related activities to ensure compliance on the use of the County’s time and attendance applications and suggests recommendations for corrective actions.
  
  

10%- Accounting:

• Performs accounting functions as assigned. Reviews and approves payables, reconciles accounts, prepares/processes journal entries, and prepares accounting schedules. Accurately codes and completes data entry.
• Prepares cost, budget, and/or management analysis.
• Prepare, submit, review, and analyze accounting and payroll reports, reconciliations, statements, and work papers. Reviews and verified year-end accruals as assigned.
  
  

10%- Administrative Liaison:

• Act as administrative liaison between the Human Resources department, the Sheriff’s office, and all other departments and offices within the County.
• Assist with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Leads and assists with special projects as assigned.
  
  

Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

(Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position)

• Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
• Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customer’s needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency.
• Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies.
• Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position. Can translate complex technical concepts to nontechnical users.
• Leadership: Is knowledgeable and proficient in leadership practices, and works to manage conflict, ensure accountability, and make sound decisions.
• Integrity: Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism while performing essential job functions.
• Analytical Thinking: Able to consider the best approach and investigate alternatives.
• Accounting Best Practices: Knowledge in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Uniform Grant Guidance. Ability to use a variety of mathematical techniques to solve accounting and budgeting problems, and apply advanced math concepts and calculations, balance and reconcile records, and resolve discrepancies.
• Government Finance: Knowledge of practices and procedures specific to finance and governmental accounting principles, including fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Gyms
  
  

To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/