What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll/Benefits/Administration Clerk position at Sawyer County; WI?
SAWYER COUNTY IS HIRING!
Payroll/Benefits/Administration Clerk
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
This position processes biweekly employee payroll, including reviewing timecards, calculating wages and deductions, maintaining leave balances, reconciling payroll records, and completing required payroll reporting.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with employee benefits administration, maintaining confidential personnel records, supporting recruitment and onboarding, performing routine accounting functions, and providing administrative support to the County Administrator as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent required. Two years of experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, or administrative support preferred. Strong computer skills, accuracy, confidentiality, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.
WAGES & BENEFITS
Starting Wage: $21.94 – $23.19/hour DOQ
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and other County benefits, subject to eligibility.
JOIN OUR TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SAWYER COUNTY!
Apply Today:
www.sawyercountygov.org or email application, resume, and cover letter to rose.lillyroot@sawyercountygov.org
Application Deadline: 4:00 p.m. November 17, 2026.
Sawyer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Payroll/Benefits/Administration Clerk
Department: Administration
Reports To: Finance Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time
Date Revised: October 2026
Department: Administration
Reports To: Finance Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time
Date Revised: October 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
The Payroll/Benefits/Administration Clerk performs specialized administrative, financial, payroll, and human resources support functions for Sawyer County. The position processes payroll accurately and on time, maintains financial and personnel records, administers employee benefits, and performs routine accounting activities. Accuracy, confidentiality, sound judgment, and responsive service are essential.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll
1. Preparing, processing, and verifying biweekly employee payroll.
2. Review timecards, overtime, leave, holiday pay, and related records for accuracy.
3. Enter and maintain new hires, separations, wage changes, deductions, and benefit elections.
4. Calculate and verify wages, paid leave, retroactive pay, and compensation adjustments.
5. Maintain leave balances and process authorized payroll deductions, including WRS, insurance, and garnishments.
6. Payroll tax reporting, W-2 preparation, and required payroll filings.
7. Reconcile payroll reports, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate corrections.
8. Respond to employee payroll inquiries and maintain confidential records.
9. Reconcile assigned financial and payroll-related accounts.
10. Process employee reimbursements through the payroll system.
1. Preparing, processing, and verifying biweekly employee payroll.
2. Review timecards, overtime, leave, holiday pay, and related records for accuracy.
3. Enter and maintain new hires, separations, wage changes, deductions, and benefit elections.
4. Calculate and verify wages, paid leave, retroactive pay, and compensation adjustments.
5. Maintain leave balances and process authorized payroll deductions, including WRS, insurance, and garnishments.
6. Payroll tax reporting, W-2 preparation, and required payroll filings.
7. Reconcile payroll reports, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate corrections.
8. Respond to employee payroll inquiries and maintain confidential records.
9. Reconcile assigned financial and payroll-related accounts.
10. Process employee reimbursements through the payroll system.
Human Resources
11. Support recruitment, job postings, applicant communications, and interview scheduling.
12. Prepare onboarding documents, personnel forms, employment verification, and orientation materials.
13. Maintain accurate, confidential personnel files and HR records.
14. Assist with benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and communications with providers.
15. Support administration of health, life, WRS, and other County benefits.
16. Track probationary periods, evaluations, training, and employment status changes.
17. Assist with FMLA, Wisconsin FMLA, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and leave recordkeeping as directed.
General Administrative Responsibilities
18. Provide professional service to employees, department heads, elected officials, vendors, and the public.
19. Provide clerical and administrative support to the County Administrator as needed.
20. Respond to calls and emails; maintain files, reports, and departmental records.
21. Assist with forms, procedures, and administrative improvements.
22. Follow County policies and applicable laws; perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
23. High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in accounting, business, HR, finance, or related field preferred.
24. Two years of relevant payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, HR, or administrative experience preferred.
25. Experience with computerized payroll, accounting, and HR systems preferred.
26. Public-sector experience desirable; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
27. Knowledge of payroll processing, basic accounting, financial records, and applicable wage and hour requirements.
28. Ability to calculate and reconcile figures accurately and use Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
29. Ability to learn payroll, accounting, and HR software.
30. Strong organization, attention to detail, communication, and deadline management skills.
31. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of financial, medical, payroll, and personnel information.
32. Ability to apply policies, work independently, exercise judgment, and maintain effective working relationships.
33. Maintain confidentiality and comply with County policies and procedures.
34. Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, integrity, and sound judgment.
35. Meet payroll and other time-sensitive reporting deadlines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily in an office setting with extended computer and telephone use, sitting, keyboarding, and handling documents. Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
SUPERVISION
Works under general supervision, performing routine assignments independently and seeking direction on complex matters. No direct supervisory responsibilities.
DISCLAIMER
This description summarizes the general nature of the work and is not an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Sawyer County may modify responsibilities as operational needs require.
Sawyer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.