Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Details

Job Location: Legal Address - Sterling, CO 80751Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $24.36 - $34.10 Hourly

Position Summary

The City of Sterling is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support the accurate administration of payroll and employee benefits. This position plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, benefits are administered accurately, and all payroll and benefits activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist serves as a key resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HRIS-related questions while supporting a positive employee experience and strong internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this position performs the following duties:

• Process biweekly payroll accurately and timely in compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws

• Enter, maintain, and update employee payroll and HRIS records, including pay rates, stipends, time worked, leave, deductions, and employment status changes

• Process payroll deductions including taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other authorized deductions

• Issue and correct payroll payments, including final pay and adjustments as needed

• Record and reconcile federal and state payroll tax filings and deposits

• Maintain confidential payroll and personnel records in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, retirement, disability, and voluntary benefits

• Process and reconcile biweekly employee benefit contributions and employer contributions

• Coordinate and support annual open enrollment, including system setup, employee communication, data validation, and vendor coordination

• Manage benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and coverage changes

• Serve as a liaison with benefit vendors, retirement systems, and third-party administrators

• Respond to employee payroll and benefits inquiries in a professional, confidential, and customer-focused manner

• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing payroll and benefits documentation

• Apply and interpret FLSA regulations related to hours worked, overtime eligibility, and on-call status

• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in payroll, benefits, human resources, finance administration or related field.

• Certifications: Payroll or HR-related certifications preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a municipal or public-sector organization

• Experience with an integrated HRIS, payroll, and benefits system

• Experience supporting benefits open enrollment and system configuration

• Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, and benefits administration

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll administration, internal controls, and reconciliation practices

• Knowledge of employee benefits administration and contribution processing

• Ability to analyze information accurately and resolve discrepancies

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines

• <