Payroll Specialist - Office of Fiscal Services

Cherry Creek Schools - Englewood, CO

Full-time

Englewood, CO

1,001-5,000 employees

Social Assistance

About the position

The Payroll Specialist position at Cherry Creek School District No. 5 is a vital role within the Office of Fiscal Services, responsible for the preparation and distribution of monthly payroll. This includes the computation of wages, withholdings, and the remittance of taxes, deductions, and reductions. The specialist will also provide counsel to employees on all payroll-related issues, ensuring that inquiries are handled with discretion and professionalism. The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with Human Resources, Benefits, and Employee Relations to make necessary adjustments and maintain accurate payroll records. Daily responsibilities include preparing, controlling, and analyzing data for payroll processing, responding to payroll-related inquiries from employees and outside agencies, and assisting employees with their direct deposit information. The specialist will also maintain accurate documentation for payroll files, including W-2s and retirement records, and process various contributions and deductions such as 401K and garnishments. Monthly tasks involve compiling and reporting employer and employee deductions, while annual responsibilities include working with Colorado PERA for employee verifications. The position requires a high school equivalency diploma and relevant experience in payroll, accounting, or human resources. Candidates should possess basic knowledge of payroll operations, federal and state tax laws, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle a high volume of inquiries. The role is non-exempt under FLSA classification and falls under the Educational Support Personnel compensation plan.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute monthly payroll including computations, withholdings, and remitting of taxes, deductions, and reductions.
• Counsel employees on all payroll issues.
• Prepare, control, and analyze data for payroll processing in partnership with Human Resources, Benefits, and Employee Relations.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, students, and outside agencies, providing support and training as needed.
• Assist employees in submitting their direct deposit information in the ERP system and resolve issues with returned deposits.
• Maintain accurate documentation within payroll files, including preparation of W-2s and retirement records.
• Process and audit 401K, 401a, 457, and 403b contributions.
• Process and collect garnishments, levies, and family support orders.
• Post and reconcile gross to net report for each payroll run using ERP data.
• Compile, remit, and report employer and employee deductions to various agencies.
• Assist in the coordination and monthly reconciliation of the payroll interface with the ERP accounting system.
• Work with Colorado PERA to ensure 6-month certifications are completed and employee verifications are submitted efficiently.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma
• Experience in payroll, accounting, accounts payable, purchasing, banking/loan servicing, or human resources
• Basic knowledge of typical office equipment such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, email, etc.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws and statutes
• Basic knowledge of W-2/W-4 process and verification
• Basic knowledge of payroll operations, processes, and software
• Basic knowledge of ADP processing in either payroll or tax filings
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word and Excel
• Intermediate problem-solving and analytical skills
• Intermediate organizational skills and attention to detail
• Intermediate verbal and written communication skills
• Intermediate recordkeeping skills
• Intermediate interpersonal relations and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Ability to use tact and sensitivity in dealing with others at various levels within an organization
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
• Ability to handle a high volume of calls, emails, and ticket requests daily
• Ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with Oracle software
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Racially conscious and culturally competent with the skill, will, capacity, and knowledge to commit to a culture of continuous improvement