Payroll and Accounting Generalist

Application closing date: 8/7/2026

Hiring pay range: $29.57 - $36.23

Full pay range: $29.57 - $42.88

FLSA: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISION:

Non-Supervisory.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

Under the direction of the Controller and working closely with the Payroll Administrator, the Payroll and Accounting Generalist provides specialized support for all payroll-related functions as well as general accounting support for the Finance Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

Payroll Support: 70%

• Collects, calculates, and enters data into a database, spreadsheets, or other accounting software for bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Maintains employee payroll records to support all payroll transactions.
• Prepares, submits, reviews, and analyzes accounting and payroll reports, reconciliations, and statements.
• Reviews and responds to data changes made by employees in the Employee HR portal.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, reviews and verifies employee data using verification portals.
• Accurately enters and monitors data to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Assists with upgrades and other payroll computer maintenance activities.
• Assists with the review, reconciliation, and administration of Section 125, COBRA, CRA Loans, FMLA, and STD.
• Completion of end-of-year audit work papers related to payroll

Employee HR Portal and Payroll System Maintenance: 10%

• Provides support for the County’s employee portal system.
• Conducts regular audits of payroll support-related activities to ensure compliance and suggests recommendations if necessary.

Accounting: 10%

• Performs accounting functions as assigned. Reviews and approves payables, reconciles accounts, and prepares/processes journal entries if necessary. Accurately codes and completes data entry.
• Prepare, submit, review, and analyze accounting and payroll reports, reconciliations, statements, and work papers. Reviews and verified year-end accruals assigned.
• Approve Vendor set up and changes for accounts payable.

Customer Service: 10%

• Works collaboratively with the Human Resources department, the Sheriff’s office, and all other departments and offices within the County.
• Assist County employees with payroll questions.
• Responds to the vendor questions regarding accounting functions.
• 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.
• 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/