Payroll Administrator

Lakeshore Talent is partnering with an established Denver-based nonprofit organization to identify a Payroll Administrator to join its People & Culture team. This position will oversee full-cycle payroll processing while supporting payroll accounting, benefits reconciliation, employee inquiries, and HRIS administration.

Location: Denver, CO
Compensation: $60, annually upon permanent hire
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (flexible start and end times); 4 days onsite and 1 day remote
Employment Type: Full-Time, Contract-to-Hire

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys taking ownership of processes, working across departments, and contributing to continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of payroll compliance and accounting principles, exercises sound judgment, and can work independently after an initial training period.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values adaptability, accountability, and open communication. Comprehensive training will be provided, with continued access to internal resources and team support.

• Process biweekly and monthly payroll for salaried, hourly, and contract employees, including off-cycle payments as needed.

• Review timecards, earnings, deductions, and payroll data to ensure accuracy and timely processing.

• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, benefits updates, and employment status changes.

• Ensure accurate data transfers between timekeeping and payroll systems.

• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive employee and payroll information.

• Maintain payroll practices in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local tax and labor regulations.

• Prepare and file quarterly and annual payroll tax returns.

• Generate and review payroll reports to support internal and external audits.

• Conduct regular audits of paid time off accruals, benefits reconciliations, and wage-and-hour practices.

• Stay informed of applicable payroll regulations, including Colorado-specific requirements.

• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and assist with reconciling wages, benefits, taxes, and employee deductions.

• Enter payroll, accrual, and benefits information into the accounting system.

• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded in the general ledger.

• Process benefits deductions, garnishments, and retirement contributions.

• Reconcile benefits enrollment against payroll deductions and investigate discrepancies.

• Process defined benefit and defined contribution payments to third-party administrators.

• Communicate deduction changes, updates, and related timelines to employees and the People & Culture team.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee payroll questions and employment verification requests.

• Assist employees with HRIS self-service tools and provide guidance to employees and managers on accurate timecard submission.

• Maintain HRIS workflows, including employee and supervisor changes.

• Partner with Accounting, IT, and People & Culture to improve payroll processes and system functionality.

• Exercise independent judgment within the scope of the role and identify opportunities to improve payroll operations.

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• At least 3 years of full-cycle payroll experience supporting both exempt and non-exempt employees.

• Working knowledge of Colorado payroll laws and regulations, including payroll considerations within a 24-hour workforce environment.

• Strong understanding of Colorado FAMLI leave benefits and related payroll administration.

• Knowledge of payroll accounting principles, journal entries, and account reconciliations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based applications.

• Ability to operate a 10-key by touch.

• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and organizational abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support employees across different departments.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently after training.

• Demonstrated discretion, integrity, adaptability, and willingness to receive feedback and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

• Experience with Paylocity or…