Payroll Specialist

Join the City of Durango’s Human Resources team as our Payroll Specialist! In this role, you will perform payroll administration, timekeeping, and report preparation, ensuring that City employees are paid accurately and on time. You’ll serve as a valuable resource to City leaders by providing training on payroll processing, procedures, and policies. Under the general guidance of the Human Resources Director, you’ll also support the HR staff by assisting with general inquiries, employee onboarding, and specialized tasks to help achieve our strategic goals and uphold our commitment to customer service.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all City employees, including entering position and wage data, updating records, and running payments.
• Train and support supervisors, timekeepers, and directors on payroll policies, procedures, and processing.
• Identify and resolve time submission and software errors.
• Assist with implementing new payroll procedures and software as needed.
• Reconcile payroll reports and prepare annual W-2 statements.
• Process garnishment orders and payroll transfers, including taxes, retirement funds, and other withholdings.
• Track hours for variable employees in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Maintain payroll and transaction records to meet audit requirements.
• Provide backup support for Human Resources functions, including onboarding and general administrative tasks.
• Support Human Resources initiatives and programs in collaboration with the HR team.

You Have:

• Two years of progressively responsible technical experience in accounting, finance, business administration, bookkeeping, payroll, or a related field.
• Professional HR designation (PHR, SPHR) is preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll, accounting, financial record keeping, and reporting practices.
• Familiarity with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to analyze and resolve payroll and accounting discrepancies efficiently.
• Skill in preparing clear, concise financial reports.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused service.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango:

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.