Email Opening
Title

Payroll Administrator 

Category Finance  
Description

Application Closing Date: 2/6/2026

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/

 
Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by Garfield County may be substituted for the following requirements.)

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, human resources, finance, accounting, or a related field.
  • Three (3) years of experience performing applicable accounting, finance, payroll and/or tax related work.

Licenses & Certifications:

  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.  

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical activities and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to reach, grasp, finger, stand, sit, walk, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. Extended periods of sitting are required.

WORK HOURS:

  • Hours are typically 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
  • There may be times when an employee may need to work outside the established work week, such as after hours.REQU
  • The employee may occasionally be required to travel within the County.

REQUIRED TRAVEL:

The employee may occasionally be required to travel within the County.

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT:

Computer and relevant software applications, spreadsheets, calendars, and word processing. Will also work with calculators, telephone systems, and mobile phones.

NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment background check with will include a Criminal Background Check, Education Verification, Employment Verification, and Motor Vehicle Record. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these items.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Nothing in this job description restricts Garfield County’s ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  This job description describes the County’s current assignment of essential functions. Those functions may change at any tim

 

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Location Glenwood Springs, CO  
Benefit Information To view our benefit package please go to https://www.garfield-county.com/human-resources/benefits-brochure/  
Hiring Range $75,358.40 - $92,310.40  
Full Pay Range $75,358.40 - $109,262.40  
Driving Classification Marginal  
Number of Openings 1  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Req Number FIN-26-00001  
Open Date 1/7/2026  
About the Organization Garfield County, Colorado consists of rugged alpine vistas and high desert mountains in the Rocky Mountain region, which dwells along the Continental Divide. Garfield County is located in western Colorado, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. It is home to the second largest designated wilderness area in Colorado - the Flattops Wilderness, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, a popular family ski resort, and Hanging Lake, designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011.  
EOE Statement Garfield County is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://GarfieldCountyColorado.appone.com



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