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: $60,000–$70,000 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

About the Opportunity

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.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• 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.

Compliance & Reporting

• 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.

Payroll Accounting & Benefits

• 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.

Employee Support & HRIS Administration

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll platforms.
• Experience with Sage Intacct or comparable accounting software.
• Background in benefits administration and payroll system integration.
• Nonprofit experience, particularly exposure to grant-funded programs or government contracts.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or other relevant payroll certification.

Schedule & Location

• Office Location: Downtown, Denver
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with flexibility in daily start and end times.
• Work Arrangement: Four days onsite and one remote day per week.
• This position operates in a typical office environment and may occasionally require lifting or moving items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Additional Information

• Full-time, contract-to-hire opportunity.
• The organization offers an initial training period and ongoing team support to help ensure a successful transition into the position.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Lakeshore Talent is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.