Retirement Payroll Specialist

Colorado-Public-Employees; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

PERA is seeking a Retirement Payroll Specialist to process and balance the monthly Defined Benefit payroll for about 142,000 recipients. You will perform complex benefit calculations, modifications, and audits of 1099-Rs, while communicating clearly with members and stakeholders.

The role requires strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work professionally with confidential information in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong numerical and analytical aptitude with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process and balance PERA’s Defined Benefit monthly payroll for ~142,000 recipients.
• Perform intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and payroll modifications.
• Audit 1099-R documentation and reporting.
• Communicate payments information clearly to members and stakeholders.

Job description

Summary of Job ResponsibilitiesThe 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.Ideal Candidate StatementOur 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 ResponsibilitiesEmployees 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 rulesUse strong mathematical and analytical reasoning to effectively process calculations and identify data inconsistencies so that information can be provided within a tight deadlineDevelop 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 skillsConduct a range of intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and accurately process modifications to benefit paymentsAbility 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 emailDemonstrate a sense of urgency and commitment to meet assigned deadlines, ensuring timely completion of tasks and contributing to the overall efficiency of team operationsManage multiple interruptions while achieving a consistent level of accuracy in completed tasksMonitor benefit eligibility, and perform calculations for the PERA survivor benefits program and domestic relations orders (DRO) to ensure compliance with statutory requirementsParticipate in the yearly calculation, audit, and validation of 1099-R documentation and reporting for benefit recipientsCoordinate 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 transactionsAbility to research and process benefit recipient account updates including deductions, direct deposit, federal and state withholding, contact information, life events, and beneficiary designationsInvestigate and resolve payroll related issues, including returned benefit checks, returned direct deposits, and uncashed benefit paymentsCollaborate with team members and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reducing future errors and improving transactional efficiency through active participation in continuous process improvementContribute to the development and maintenance of benefit payroll-related systems, databases and future upgradesParticipate in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional developmentMaintain regular and prompt attendance in the workplace to ensure consistent support for team objectivesCarry out other duties and special projects that are assignedJob QualificationsBachelors 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 experienceHighly detail oriented with a strong aptitude for analytical reasoning, mathematical skills, and calculation backgroundStrong verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuationAbility to deal with sensitive and/or confidential information or situations in a professional mannerAbility to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholdersCapable of working successfully both independently and within a team-focused environmentKnowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related business softwareAbility to prioritize, organize and work with minimal supervisionWorking ConditionsThe 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 poundsAll employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industryAbility to sit for prolonged periods of timeAbility to operate standard PC equipmentAbility to handle stress associated with frequent deadline and tight schedulesHybrid Work OptionOpportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.Interested Candidates:Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:Describe a specific instance in which you disagreed with the direction or strategy for a critical task or project that was assigned to you. How did you evaluate the validity of your perspective versus the directive you were given? Detail the steps you took to communicate your concerns, influence stakeholders, and ultimately align on a path forward.How does your approach differ when navigating a similar situation outlined above but with a peer versus a direct manager, particularly in terms of communication style, decision authority, and accountability.Describe a time when you were responsible for performing various calculations, particularly related to financial payments or monthly benefit amounts. What steps did you take to make certain that your calculations were accurate, and how did you verify the amounts before finishing the assigned task, process or project?You will be asked to complete a pre-employment skills assessment (takes approximately 20 minutes) upon submission of your application. A link for the assessment will be available to you (in your Paycom profile) if you are unable to complete it at the end of your application. The skills assessment must be completed to be considered for this position.Job Description DisclaimerThis 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 PERAColorado 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 CaresAt 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 themAn Employer that Invests in YouPERA 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 UsIf 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 IDivision: Benefit ServicesReports to: Payroll ManagerJob Status: Full-time, Non-ExemptSalary: $31.00 to $35.00 Hourly, Commensurate with experiencePosting Dates: 09/11/2026 - 09/27/2026