Retirement Payroll Specialist

Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association in; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 88,828,000 - 100,289,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado PERA is seeking a Retirement Payroll Specialist I to prepare, process, and balance the monthly Defined Benefit payroll for about 142,000 recipients. The role requires strong numerical and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with empathy.

The position offers a hybrid work option, competitive hourly compensation, and collaboration with multiple departments to ensure accurate end-to-end payroll processing for complex benefit payments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Accounting, or related field preferred or 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and numerical aptitude.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information professionally.

Responsibilities

• Process PERA's monthly benefit payroll accurately and timely.
• Perform intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and benefit modifications.
• Explain complex payroll information to stakeholders clearly.
• Investigate payroll issues and ensure compliance with statutes and PERA rules.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Mathematical calculations

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mathematics, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Retirement Payroll Specialist (Administrative)

The Retirement Payroll Specialist position is responsible for preparing, processing, and balancing PERA's Defined Benefit (DB) monthly payroll for its approximately 142,000 recipients. This role includes processing various account modifications including but not limited to account termination, payee changes, returned benefit payments and auditing of the annual 1099-R files. This position requires the ability to understand and apply both accounting and general mathematical principles as well as the ability to generate and explain detailed communications. It also requires the skills to manage complex and sensitive benefit information with empathy and professionalism, while ensuring strict compliance with applicable PERA law, rules and policies.

*This role is not part of the organization's Human Resources Department and is not the same as a position that processes employee payroll.

Summary of Job Responsibilities

Ideal Candidate Statement

Our ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, team player with strong numerical and analytical aptitude. The individual that we are seeking should have a positive attitude and a proven record of delivering excellent customer service, both written and verbal. The candidate must be flexible, adaptable, and able to perform the job accurately even when there are interruptions of their normal day-to-day workflow.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of PERA's monthly benefit recipient payroll in accordance with federal and state statutes and/or PERA rules
• Use strong mathematical and analytical reasoning to effectively process calculations and identify data inconsistencies so that information can be provided within a tight deadline
• Develop a thorough understanding of all aspects of PERA's defined benefit program and provide efficient, reliable information to internal and external stakeholders using both verbal and written skills
• Conduct a range of intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and accurately process modifications to benefit payments
• Ability to communicate in a professional, caring, and compassionate manner about benefit program and payment information with members, retirees, estate representatives, and family members through in-office meetings, telephone calls, written correspondence, and email
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency and commitment to meet assigned deadlines, ensuring timely completion of tasks and contributing to the overall efficiency of team operations
• Manage multiple interruptions while achieving a consistent level of accuracy in completed tasks
• Monitor benefit eligibility, and perform calculations for the PERA survivor benefits program and domestic relations orders (DRO) to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
• Participate in the yearly calculation, audit, and validation of 1099-R documentation and reporting for benefit recipients
• Coordinate with all Benefit Administration teams or other departments across the organization including, Member Services, Accounting, Customer Service, and Insurance to ensure successful end-to-end processing for cross-functional and overlapping transactions
• Ability to research and process benefit recipient account updates including deductions, direct deposit, federal and state withholding, contact information, life events, and beneficiary designations
• Investigate and resolve payroll related issues, including returned benefit checks, returned direct deposits, and uncashed benefit payments
• Collaborate with team members and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reducing future errors and improving transactional efficiency through active participation in continuous process improvement
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of benefit payroll-related systems, databases and future upgrades
• Participate in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance in the workplace to ensure consistent support for team objectives
• Carry out other duties and special projects that are assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors in Mathematics, Accounting, or another related field is preferred or three (3) or more years of relevant experience, preferably supporting retirement benefits and/or payroll, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Highly detail oriented with a strong aptitude for analytical reasoning, mathematical skills, and calculation background
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Ability to deal with sensitive and/or confidential information or situations in a professional manner
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of working successfully both independently and within a team-focused environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related business software
• Ability to prioritize, organize and work with minimal supervision

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.

Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds

All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry

Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

Ability to operate standard PC equipment

Ability to handle stress associated with frequent deadline and tight schedules

Hybrid Work Option

Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA's Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERA's talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA's Investment Administration team.

Why Work at PERA

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

A Culture That Cares

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them

An Employer that Invests in You

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

Join Us

If you're energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA's team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers .

Position Title: Retirement Payroll Specialist I

Division: Benefit Services

Reports to: Payroll Manager

Job Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary: $31.00 to $35.00 Hourly, Commensurate with experience

Posting Dates: 09/11/2026 - 09/27/2026

Salary Minimum: 31Salary Maximum: 35