Public Sector Payroll Specialist - Complex & High-Volume

Above The Rest Staffing, Inc.; Golden (CO); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Above The Rest Staffing, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operational Payroll Specialist in Golden, CO to support time & labor processing and complex payroll operations for a public sector organization.

The role emphasizes compliance with federal/state laws, retirement programs, garnishments, and confidential handling of payroll data. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of end-to-end payroll experience, familiarity with PeopleSoft, and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of dedicated end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• Experience in K-12, higher education, or public sector payroll environment preferred.
• Familiarity with Colorado PERA, Form 990 reporting, and tax compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accurate and timely processing of complex, high-volume payroll transactions, timekeeping records, and labor allocations.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws, organizational policies, tax regulations, and governing agreements.
• Manage specialized payroll administration including retirement programs, garnishments, child support orders, tax liens, voluntary deductions, and workers' compensation payments.
• Partner with Accounting, Risk Management and external entities (state retirement systems, courts, social services, tax agencies).
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll discrepancies while maintaining confidentiality.
• Serve as SME to respond to employee inquiries and optimize documentation.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Customer service

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Office

Job description

Above The Rest Staffing, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operational Payroll Specialist in Golden, CO to support time & labor processing and complex payroll operations for a public sector organization.

The role emphasizes compliance with federal/state laws, retirement programs, garnishments, and confidential handling of payroll data. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of end-to-end payroll experience, familiarity with PeopleSoft, and strong analytical and communication skills.