Payroll Clerk (Three-Shift Operations) (Hybrid)

CT; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Loan forgiveness eligibility after 10 years

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families is seeking a Payroll Clerk for its Central Office in Hartford. This full-time position involves preparing biweekly payrolls and working with over 3,000 employees.

Ideal candidates will possess four years of experience in payroll or bookkeeping, with knowledge of payroll practices and excellent problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with payroll systems like CORE-CT is preferred.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in accounts payable, payroll preparation, or related clerical work.
• At least one year of experience as a Connecticut Payroll Clerk.
• College training may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare biweekly regular, overtime, and supplemental payrolls.
• Review employee timecards for accuracy.
• Calculate gross wages and note deductions.
• Verify payroll outputs against records.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries.

Skills

Knowledge of payroll terminology

Interpersonal communication skills

Ability to perform arithmetic computations

Ability to follow instructions

Problem-solving skills

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Four years experience in payroll or bookkeeping

Tools

Microsoft Excel

CORE-CT

PeopleSoft

UKG-Pro

Job description

Overview

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Fiscal Services Division is seeking to fill a Payroll Clerk position located in our Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT.

Position Highlights

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• First shift, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Responsible for preparing biweekly payrolls (regular, overtime, supplemental) and posting changes and adjustments to master files
• Processes payroll for a three-shift, 24/7 operation with varying schedules and pay rules
• Supports over 3,000 employees across the state, including bargaining unit, confidential, and managerial employees

About DCF

DCF works to protect children, support families, and advance child well‑being through advocacy, community strengths, and services for children facing emotional and behavioral challenges.

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities
• Healthy work‑life balance
• Eligible for State of Connecticut Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service

Responsibilities

• Prepare biweekly regular, overtime and supplemental payrolls
• Review employee timecards and timesheets for accuracy and completeness; post hours to master payroll cards
• Review personnel and payroll change notices and post changes or adjustments to master files (new hires, transfers, reclassifications, terminations, retirements, wage increases, deduction changes, etc.)
• Calculate gross wages and note deductions on worksheets and summary sheets
• Prepare and balance prelists for Central Payroll and submit summary sheets and transmittal certificates
• Verify check register and printed payroll outputs against worksheets and records
• Perform clerical accounting functions (calculate balances, post charges to expenditure accounts)
• Prepare supplemental payrolls (longevity payments, vacation pay, promotional adjustments)
• Calculate and process retroactive payments, collective bargaining increases, and annual increments
• Verify provider checks and bills issued by the Office of State Comptroller
• Keep abreast of collective bargaining contract requirements (salary increases, overtime, shift differential, holiday pay restrictions)
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks and payroll practices
• Maintain payroll data records and files
• Calculate workers’ compensation and/or retirement payments (as needed)
• Calculate and monitor payroll deductions for court‑ordered wage executions (garnishments)
• Consult division or facility supervisors about employee time records
• Perform related duties as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll terminology, practices and procedures; basic accounting and bookkeeping principles; general office procedures
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; arithmetic computation ability
• Ability to read, understand and apply contract guidelines and regulations
• Maintain records and files; follow complex oral and written instructions; operate office equipment including computers, tablets, and other electronic devices

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience

Four years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, payroll preparation, or clerical work involving finances.

Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience

At least one year of the general experience must have been as a State of Connecticut Payroll Clerk (class code 6157).

Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed

College training may be substituted for general experience on the basis of fifteen semester hours equal to one‑half year, up to a maximum of two years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience compiling and analyzing payroll data, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness
• Experience with a three‑shift, 24/7 operation with varying schedules and pay rules
• Experience utilizing CORE‑CT, PeopleSoft, or similar applications for human resources and financial management
• Experience utilizing UKG‑Pro or similar time and attendance software
• Experience working independently with problem‑solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word

Special Requirements

Persons responsible for supervising or observing inmates or custodial individuals must possess a high‑school diploma or GED certification at the time of appointment.

Equal Opportunity / Affinity Statement

The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity and affirmative‑action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. A job class is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task or responsibility.