Job Description

Wood County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

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Payroll Administrator

Location:

River Block Building - WR

FT/PT:

Full-time 40 hrs/week - WRS Eligible

Deadline to apply:

11/16/2026

Hiring Range:

$29.21 to $33.05/hr

Job Responsibilities:

WHO WE ARE:
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality services is a shared goal across all departments. If you have a passion in finance, please consider joining our team!

WHAT WE OFFER:
In addition to who we are, Wood County team members are offered competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and an excellent benefits, including:
-Health Insurance - we offer low premiums and low deductibles, with excellent coverage!
-Dental Insurance
-Vision Insurance
-Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - Build your future, consistently recognized as one of the country's top public retirement plans.
-457 deferred compensation plan
-On-Site Training and Continuing Education Credits
-Vacation and Sick Time - Start accruing for both on your first day!
-Paid Holidays
-Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare and medical expenses
-Life Insurance
-Short and Long-Term Disability
-Wellness Incentive Plan
-Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Purpose of Position

This position is responsible for a variety of complex accounting functions in the preparation, processing, maintenance, verification and reconciliation of employee retirement, payroll records and payment of funds for county personnel; performs related duties as required. This work is performed under the direction of the Director of Finance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Payroll Function
1. Collects, analyzes, updates and reconciles payroll and benefit data on a bi-weekly basis.
2. Verifies TimeStar import file data for days/hours worked, and calculates and records any adjustments as necessary.
3. Ensures the accuracy of payroll and benefit codes.
4. Calculate and apply garnishment deduction orders; researches, calculates and prepares payments for various benefit vendors and state/federal agencies.
5. Prepares supplemental payrolls as needed; prepares and processes manual checks.
6. Calculates retroactive salary data as assigned.
7. Prepares a variety of complex payroll related reports as mandated by the county, state, and federal regulations.
8. Prepares required quarterly and annual payroll reports and statements, including WRS annual report and W-2’s. Reconciles accounts with personnel records and the general ledger.
9. Responsible to know and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in a safe and prescribed manner.
10. Must be familiar with and exemplify the Wood County Core Values and serve with courtesy and respect in accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct.

Payroll Database Maintenance
1. Examines and verifies payroll and position control data for accuracy, appropriateness and documentation.
2. Receives and forwards new hire, PAF, and termination forms to departments that need the forms.
3. Input new hire data and term employees.
4. Reviews, analyzes and updates salary and benefit projections for accuracy.
5. Maintains accurate records, updates and monitors position control, retirement, and salary for Wood County employees.
6. Creates and maintains a database to organize, collect and retrieve data into required reporting formats.
7. Maintains mandated documents as required including salary schedules.
8. Responds to salary verification requests.
9. Researches payroll record keeping issues and performs appropriate action as needed.
10. Assists departments and staff in compiling data and interpreting legal reporting requirements and regulations.
11. Updates data in Employee Self-Service (ESS) ensuring that employees are able to view payroll and benefit related information.
12. Determines and requests support for TimeStar processes.

Payroll Reconciliation
1. Performs a variety of complex accounting duties in the preparation, processing, and maintenance of payroll, salary and benefit calculations.
2. Reconciles bi-weekly payroll wages and taxes for accuracy.
3. Researches and analyzes discrepancies and processes appropriate corrections.
4. Researches and processes payroll and benefit adjustment entries.
5. Prepares and processes a variety of accounting forms, including journal entries, vouchers, and ACH transfers.
6. Monitors recordkeeping procedures for accuracy.
7. Uses a variety of software applications to create and design reports and spreadsheets.
8. Updates and maintains Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) reporting and reconciliation of funds including terminations and late reported earnings.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
1. Attends workshops and trainings as directed.
2. Plans and monitors work production timelines to meet strict deadlines in reporting regulations.
3. Prepares department correspondence and annual informative notices as directed.
4. Assists county departments in interpreting, and applying payroll laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
5. Answers inquiries from internal and external clients, resolves problems and recommends solutions.
6. Refers active and retired employees to other appropriate resources as necessary.
7. Provides data for County auditors, County staff, and local, state, or federal agencies.
8. Provides detailed information in oral or written form on payroll related issues.
9. Assists in the development of new procedures as needed.
10. Assists in the preparation of the department and County annual budget for wages, benefits and expenses.
11. Assists other departments with gathering/preparation of data and payroll and benefit information.
12. Assists in special projects as needed.
13. Back up Accounts Payable Administrator when needed by creating vendors and processing a/p checks.
14. Responsible to know and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in a safe and prescribed manner.
15. Prepares paycheck stuffers as needed.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Associate Degree in Accounting or any combination of education, training, and/or experience equivalent to an Associated Degree which demonstrates ability to perform the duties as described, including courses in accounting, business procedures, algebra, math, statistics or related subjects or high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of direct payroll administration experience.

Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards, methods and practices related to governmental payroll and retirement systems; basic accounting principles as related to payroll processing; customer service skills, standard office practices and procedures; advanced skills in software applications related to payroll/accounting systems including Excel; principles and techniques of technical record keeping.

Skills and ability to research, analyze and retrieve data to prepare and maintain complex payroll records, summaries and reports; reconcile differences within established payroll and accounting systems using critical analysis skills; interpret, explain and comply with prescribed laws, rules, regulations, and procedures; monitor, audit, reconcile, and balance a variety of data and transactions; perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately; identify and correct errors; operate a variety of standard office equipment; set up and maintain database files; create spreadsheets and other related forms, reports and documents; use independent judgment to maintain statistical records; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; follow detailed directions; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines; coordinate a variety of projects simultaneously; work independently and as a team member; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; train and coordinate the work of other staff assigned to the department.

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