Payroll Specialist-Minnesota Schools

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for administering and processing payroll for Minnesota school district clients. This role involves ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations, maintaining employee records, supporting new hire onboarding and terminations, and preparing a variety of payroll-related reports. 

Essential Position Responsibilities: 

• Works closely with assigned clients to assess general payroll  

• Prepares reports, returns, and other documents as required, including payroll reports, year-end tax forms, and other reports required by clients.  

• Administers and processes payroll for clients, including updating payroll systems with new and terminated employee information, pay rates and deductions; collecting, reviewing and verifying time sheets; processing and completing the payroll cycle, direct deposit input; preparing payroll tax deposits and other payroll reports as required; and issuing W2s.  

• In-house payroll processing and download/filing of payroll returns  

• New hire setup and communications  

• Coordination with client support for payroll agency correspondence matters  

• Garnishment, benefit plan obligations and other required reporting to Accounts Payable  

• Download of payroll transactions if processed by 3rd party  

Keys to Success: 

• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy 

• Ability to work efficiently and to multi-task 

• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision 

• Able to learn new technology skills quickly 

• Co-operative team player. 

• Extremely organized 

• Client-centric approach to all matters 

• Associate’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required. 

• Minimum 2 years of payroll experience. 

• Proficiency with SMART systems (SMART Finance, SMART HR, SMARTeR, TimeTracker). 

• Knowledge of Minnesota state pension funds (TRA – Teacher Retirement Association and PERA – Public Employees Retirement Association). 

• Familiarity with education contracts (teachers/certified staff, administration, classified/non-teaching staff). 

• Experience working with education-based unions. 

• Knowledge of ACA reporting requirements and compliance. 

• Understanding of MN Wage Theft law and Wage Statement requirements within SMART Finance. 

• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws and compliance guidelines. 

• Advanced technology skills with ability to adapt quickly. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. 

Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; an employer funded profit-sharing plan with a 401(k) option (upon meeting eligibility requirements), group term life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and a flexible time off and paid leave program.