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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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