Payroll & Benefits Coordinator

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Human Resources Director
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Compensation Range: $58,000 - $70,000
Benefits: Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO

Position Summary
Lake County Government is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Payroll and Benefits Coordinator to lead the processing of bi-weekly payroll and support key human resources and finance functions. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll for all county employees, while also supporting benefits coordination, HR compliance, systems management, and data reporting. The Payroll and Benefits Coordinator works cross-functionally, particularly with Finance and IT, to maintain smooth operations, strengthen HR systems, and provide accurate metrics that inform decision making.

General Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions

Payroll Processing

• Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all county employees.
• Audit timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate earnings and deductions.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely reporting and reconciliation of payroll liabilities.
• Support year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, tax reporting, and payroll audits.

Benefits Coordination

• Administer employee benefit programs including but not limited to health, dental, vision, retirement plans, etc.
• Oversee annual benefits elections and ensure smooth open enrollment.
• Track enrollments, terminations, and changes; reconcile benefit provider invoices with payroll deductions.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee benefit deduction questions or discrepancies and troubleshooting.

Human Resources Administration & Compliance

• Support the implementation and adherence to HR policies, procedures, and federal/state employment laws.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity within HR systems by processing new hires, separations, and updating existing employee information, including tax details, personal information, and direct deposit changes through employee change requests.
• Assist with compliance documentation, leave tracking (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA), and personnel actions.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive employee information.

Systems Management & Data Reporting

• Play a key role in the implementation of a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS), including data migration, system testing, and process development to improve overall efficiency and accuracy of HR operations.
• Collaborate with the IT Department to manage HR systems functionality and improvements.
• Oversee onboarding workflows for new hires and ensure smooth data integration into payroll and HR systems.
• Generate, maintain, and analyze HR metrics to support departmental planning and decision-making (e.g., turnover, time-to-hire, demographic tracking, benefits utilization).
• Develop standardized reports for HR and Finance leadership.

Other Duties
Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Not applicable

Requirements
Compensation will be determined by the applicant’s full skillset with consideration of the following:

• Associate’s degree in human resources, accounting, or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in payroll, HR administration, or benefits coordination.
• Familiarity with employment law (FLSA, FMLA, ACA) and HRIS/payroll systems.
• Proficiency in Excel and data reporting; experience with Tyler Technologies is a plus.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to work cross-departmentally and manage competing deadlines.
• Bilingual skills are preferred to better support our diverse employee population and ensure clear communication regarding payroll and benefits.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or other HR/payroll certifications.
• Experience with open enrollment processes and benefits reconciliation.
• Background in HR analytics or workforce planning tools.

Hazard Notice
This position is primarily office-based and requires prolonged periods of sitting, keyboard use, and screen time. The role may involve occasional lifting of boxes or materials weighing up to 25 pounds, such as personnel files or supplies. The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality and may encounter sensitive or emotionally charged situations when supporting with compliance matters. Occasional travel between County facilities for meetings or trainings may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Activity & Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Use of hands for repetitive motions such as typing, writing, or operating equipment.
• Operation of standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, etc.).
• Visual acuity to read and produce accurate documents and materials.
• Hearing ability sufficient to respond to spoken communication.
• Standard office environment with controlled temperature and lighting.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations or satellite facilities.
• Work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, or high-volume environment.
• Interaction with the public, sometimes in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

EOE Statement
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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