Public Sector Payroll Specialist

Wisconsin Counties; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

457 deferred compensation plan

On-Site Training and Continuing Ed

Vacation and Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

Wellness Incentive Plan

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Wisconsin Counties is seeking a skilled Payroll Accountant to manage retirement, payroll records, and related payments for county personnel under the direction of the Director of Finance.

The role covers bi-weekly payroll processing, TimeStar data validation, wage and tax calculations, WRS reporting, and relevant regulatory reporting. Strong Excel and data accuracy are essential for timely, compliant payroll operations.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Accounting or equivalent + two years payroll experience.
• Knowledge of governmental payroll laws, retirement systems, and reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills for reporting and data analysis.
• Strong customer service and data accuracy in payroll processes.
• Ability to interpret regulations and ensure compliant payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll and update benefits data.
• Verify TimeStar data, adjust days/hours, and ensure accuracy of payroll codes.
• Prepare WRS reports and annual payroll statements (W-2s).
• Maintain ESS and payroll records; respond to inquiries from departments.
• Prepare journal entries, ACH transfers, and other payroll-related documents.
• Back up Accounts Payable administrator and assist with budget prep.

Skills

Payroll processing

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

Associate Degree in Accounting

Tools

TimeStar

ESS (Employee Self-Service)

General ledger software

Job description

Wisconsin Counties is seeking a skilled Payroll Accountant to manage retirement, payroll records, and related payments for county personnel under the direction of the Director of Finance.

The role covers bi-weekly payroll processing, TimeStar data validation, wage and tax calculations, WRS reporting, and relevant regulatory reporting. Strong Excel and data accuracy are essential for timely, compliant payroll operations.