Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist City of Lafayette Colorado Lafayette, CO Job Details Full-time $31.06 - $43.51 an hour 1 day ago Benefits 401(a) AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance Bereavement leave Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Associate's degree in accounting Business financial process improvement Financial data reconciliation Payroll tax Handling wage garnishments Regulatory compliance Process improvement Employment & labor law Associate's degree in finance Financial management report preparation Mid-level Customer inquiry handling Finance System maintenance Administrative experience Personnel records management Driver's License Data management Driving Task prioritization Financial record maintenance Accounting Accounting and finance experience Fundamental Payroll Certification HRIS 1 year Financial audit support Associate's degree Certified Payroll Professional Time & attendance systems Accounting Financial compliance Full Job Description About the City Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it's eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family. We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City's mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire) Life Insurance (One year's salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount) Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses) Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)

Short and Long-Term Disability Bilingual Pay Additional Benefits:

Deferred Compensation and Roth Options Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D Identity Theft Program Recreation Center Pass Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation Sick Leave Floating Holiday Leave 11.5 paid City holidays. Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave 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.