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 withholdings.
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
https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/
Deadline Note: