Payroll Associate

The Portage County Finance department is hiring a full-time Payroll Associate. This position is responsible for processing county-wide payroll, accounts payable related to payroll, and performs general accounting activities.

The 2026 pay range starts at $27.77 / hr

What are the primary job duties?

Employee Maintenance

* Enters personnel action forms submitted by Human Resources staff to update payroll information resulting from a new hire, position change, salary change, or termination.

* Works closely with the Human Resources Department staff to verify source documents submitted by county departments used to change salary/hourly rates affected by new hires, promotions, progressions, contract settlements, and terminations.

* Maintains employment and withholding records using documents submitted by the Human Resources Department and employees.

* Audits all salary and fringe benefit changes/calculations.

* Verifies employee retirement eligibility and submits monthly retirement earnings report.

* Reconciles various pre-tax benefit accounts and prepares any necessary journal entries.

Payroll Processing and Reporting

* Reviews and reconciles bi-weekly employee time entry submitted by County department staff for verification of total hours reported by pay category such as regular, holiday, overtime hours, or other pay types.

* Calculates employee wages, including other types of pay, and processes payments via direct deposit or check.

* Reviews activity codes to ensure the proper distribution of payroll expenses to proper department, project, or grant program accounts.

* Communicates with department staff to inform them of any payroll errors/problems.

* Prepares various worksheets to track and verify employee earnings, hours and benefits. Makes necessary adjustments to employee payroll records.

* Reconciles all payroll tax accounts and payroll withholding accounts with the County's general accounting records.

* Provides documentation to make payments to proper agencies pertaining to payroll taxes and with holdings.

General Accounting

* Prepares and enters general journal entries as needed.

* Prepares and/or assists in the compilation of data and other financial records for preparation of routine or special reports as needed.

* Analyzes balance sheet, revenue, and expenses accounts and performs reconciliations as needed.

* Assists in preparation of worksheets for annual budget and year end audit.

What are the minimum job qualifications?

* High school diploma or equivalent required.

* Associate degree in Accounting or related field preferred.

* Three years of experience in payroll preferred, preferably in a government setting.

* Four years of experience in accounting (accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, etc) preferred, preferably in a government setting.

* Ability to successfully pass a financial and criminal background check.

* Any combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

* Vacation - available on day one!

* Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)

* Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!

* Flexible spending account

* Dental insurance

* State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.95% (2025), increasing to 7.2% in 2026!

* Paid holidays

* Paid sick leave

* Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)

* Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)

* EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County

* 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

* Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer