Payroll Associate
Summary
| Title: | Payroll Associate |
|---|---|
| ID: | 840000008 11.21.25 |
| Department: | Finance |
| Deadline: | Open until filled. |
| Recruitment ends at 4:30 p.m. : | N/A |
| Job Type: | Full time |
| Hours per week: | 40 hrs / wk |
| Salary Range: | $27.77 / hr |
Description
The Portage County Finance department is hiring a full-time Payroll Associate. This position is responsible for processing county-wide payroll, accounts payable related to payroll, and performs general accounting activities.
The 2026 pay range starts at $27.77 / hr
What are the primary job duties?
Employee Maintenance
- Enters personnel action forms submitted by Human Resources staff to update payroll information resulting from a new hire, position change, salary change, or termination.
- Works closely with the Human Resources Department staff to verify source documents submitted by county departments used to change salary/hourly rates affected by new hires, promotions, progressions, contract settlements, and terminations.
- Maintains employment and withholding records using documents submitted by the Human Resources Department and employees.
- Audits all salary and fringe benefit changes/calculations.
- Verifies employee retirement eligibility and submits monthly retirement earnings report.
- Reconciles various pre-tax benefit accounts and prepares any necessary journal entries.
Payroll Processing and Reporting
- Reviews and reconciles bi-weekly employee time entry submitted by County department staff for verification of total hours reported by pay category such as regular, holiday, overtime hours, or other pay types.
- Calculates employee wages, including other types of pay, and processes payments via direct deposit or check.
- Reviews activity codes to ensure the proper distribution of payroll expenses to proper department, project, or grant program accounts.
- Communicates with department staff to inform them of any payroll errors/problems.
- Prepares various worksheets to track and verify employee earnings, hours and benefits. Makes necessary adjustments to employee payroll records.
- Reconciles all payroll tax accounts and payroll withholding accounts with the County’s general accounting records.
- Provides documentation to make payments to proper agencies pertaining to payroll taxes and withholdings.
General Accounting
- Prepares and enters general journal entries as needed.
- Prepares and/or assists in the compilation of data and other financial records for preparation of routine or special reports as needed.
- Analyzes balance sheet, revenue, and expenses accounts and performs reconciliations as needed.
- Assists in preparation of worksheets for annual budget and year end audit.
What are the minimum job qualifications?
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
- Three years of experience in payroll preferred, preferably in a government setting.
- Four years of experience in accounting (accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, etc) preferred, preferably in a government setting.
- Ability to successfully pass a financial and criminal background check.
- Any combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;
- Vacation - available on day one!
- Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
- Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
- Flexible spending account
- Dental insurance
- State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.95% (2025), increasing to 7.2% in 2026!
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
- Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
- EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
