HR-Payroll Specialist

HR - Payroll Specialist

CLI provides outstanding benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance after 90 days. PTO and paid holidays. Come join our winning team. We maintain a drug-free workplace. We perform pre-employment substance and background testing.

About the Role:

Are you a meticulous, detail-oriented professional with a passion for payroll accuracy and human resources? We are seeking a dynamic HR - Payroll Specialist to join our team in the Denver area. In this role, you will be the backbone of our payroll operations, ensuring that our employees are compensated accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and are dedicated to fostering a positive employee experience through seamless payroll administration, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

As the HR - Payroll Specialist, your primary duty is to execute bi-weekly payroll for all salaried and hourly employees, ensuring absolute accuracy in wages, overtime, bonuses, tips, and deductions. You will be responsible for maintaining and updating employee payroll records within our payroll system, meticulously managing tax exemptions, direct deposit information, and wage adjustments. Furthermore, you will manage benefits deductions and garnishments, ensuring proper recording and reconciliation across all financial platforms. Compliance is a critical aspect of this role. You must maintain strict adherence to federal and Colorado state labor laws. This includes navigating the newly updated 2026 Colorado minimum wage requirements ($15.16/hour state, $19.29/hour Denver local) and accurately processing FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) premium deductions and leave tracking. You will also prepare comprehensive reports on payroll expenses, tax filings, and employee compensation for management and internal audits. Additionally, you will serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related inquiries, resolving discrepancies promptly and professionally while partnering with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll with timekeeping systems.

Qualifications & Skills:

• The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of two to five years of proven experience in payroll processing and HR administration.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required, though an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or Business Administration is strongly preferred.
• Candidates holding a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation will be highly regarded.

Technically, you must have a strong working knowledge of major payroll software, such as ADP, Paychex, or Gusto, alongside advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. An in-depth understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and Colorado-specific employment mandates is essential. On a personal level, we are looking for someone with exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

This position is based in a professional office environment in the Denver area. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The role primarily involves sedentary tasks, requiring the ability to remain in a stationary positioneither sitting or standing at a deskfor over 50% of the workday. Extensive use of computers and office equipment is required, which involves continuous typing, repetitive wrist and hand motions, and viewing computer monitors for extended periods. While the job is mostly sedentary, it does require occasional walking, standing, and moving about the office. You must have the ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move office supplies and materials weighing between 10 to 25 lbs. Clear and effective verbal and written communication is essential for interacting with employees and team members. Employees are expected to utilize proper ergonomics and workplace safety practices to prevent repetitive motion injuries and maintain physical well-being.