Retirement Payroll Specialist (Administrative)

Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Retirement Payroll Specialist position is responsible for preparing and balancing PERA's Defined Benefit (DB) monthly payroll for approximately 140,000 recipients. This role includes processing various retirement account updates and contributing to the audit of annual 1099-R files. This position requires the ability to understand and manage complex and sensitive benefit information with empathy and professionalism, while ensuring strict compliance with applicable PERA law, rules and policies.  

Ideal Candidate Statement

This is a dynamic position that works directly with the PERA Defined Benefit program's monthly benefit recipient payroll and separate from the organization's Human Resources Department. Our ideal candidate is a detail-oriented team player with strong numerical and analytical aptitude. We are seeking a seasoned professional with a positive attitude and a proven record of delivering excellent customer service. This candidate must also be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with interruptions of their normal day-to-day workflow.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of PERA's monthly benefit recipient payroll in accordance with federal or state statutes and/or PERA rules

• Leverage strong analytical reasoning and mathematical skills to effectively identify data inconsistencies and quickly resolve issues to meet tight deadlines

• Develop a thorough understanding of the DB benefit program and provide efficient, reliable customer service to both internal and external stakeholders

• Conduct a range of intermediate to advanced defined benefit calculations and process modifications to benefit payments

• Research and process benefit recipient account updates including deductions, contact information, life events, and beneficiary designations

• Monitor benefit eligibility for survivor benefits and domestic relations orders (DRO) to ensure compliance with statutory requirements

• Demonstrate a sense of urgency and commitment to meet assigned deadlines, ensuring timely completion of tasks and contributing to the overall efficiency of team operations

• Coordinate with divisional teams or other departments across the organization - such as Member Services, Accounting, Customer Service, Insurance and Records and Information - ensuring a successful end-to-end process for cross-functional and overlapping transactions

• Investigate and resolve payroll-related issues, including returned benefit checks, returned direct deposits, and uncashed benefit payments

• Collaborate with team members and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reducing future errors and improving transactional efficiency through active participation in continuous process improvement

• Participate in the yearly verification of 1099-R files

• Communicate benefit program and payment information with members, retirees, and family members through in-office meetings, telephone calls, written correspondence, and email

• Manage multiple interruptions while achieving a consistent level of accuracy in completed tasks.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of benefit payroll-related systems and databases

• Participate in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development

• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace to ensure consistent support for team objectives

• Carries out other duties and special projects as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors in mathematics, accounting, or another related field is preferred or three (3) or more years of relevant experience, preferably supporting retirement benefits and/or payroll, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Highly detail oriented with a strong aptitude for analytical reasoning and mathematical skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation

• Ability to deal with sensitive and/or confidential information or situations in a professional manner

• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders

• Capable of working successfully both independently and within a team-focused environment

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related business software

• Ability to prioritize, organize and work with minimal supervision

Working Conditions

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.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.

• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds

• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to operate standard PC equipment

• Ability to handle stress associated with frequent deadline and tight schedules

Hybrid Work Option

• Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:

1. Please provide an example of a situation in which you did not agree with the direction that you received for a specific task. Describe how you resolved your disagreement to complete the task. How would you respond if the direction comes from a coworker versus a manager?
2. Describe a situation in which you were under a great deal of pressure because of numerous items competing for your time and attention. Explain how you would manage these tasks, including the prioritization, limiting distractions, and making sure that the required deadlines are met?
3. Describe the type of work and learning environment in which you are most productive. What factors must be present in that environment to make you successful and accommodate your learning style?

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA's Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA's talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA's Investment Administration team.

 

 About Colorado PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado's largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 700,000 members who are former and current public employees. 

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees' growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA's defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.

To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.

 

Position Title: Retirement Payroll Specialist I
Division: Benefit Services
Reports to: Payroll Manager
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $27.50 to $34.00 Hourly, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 08/15/2025 to 08/31/2025

Salary Maximum: 34