Payroll Accounting Technician / Accounting Technician

About the role

This position is part of the payroll team which consists of functional experts who provide technical and administrative support to DCYF employees, ensuring employees accurately record time worked, leave taken, and that they are paid timely and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the completion of bi-weekly payroll functions so that employees are accurately paid and hours properly recorded in compliance with State and Federal laws, labor union contracts, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other policies and procedures.
• Review and process bi-weekly employee business expense claims, requests for temporary and/or annual travel advances and related settlements, ensuring reporting is in compliance with State of Minnesota (MMB) and DHS Travel policies and procedures, and the State’s labor agreements and compensation plans.
• Provide technical advice in connection with MMB and DCYF’s Special Expense policy and procedures for employees requesting authorizations to register to attend training conferences, seminars, workshops, and educational courses, as well as guidance for ensuring payment of the same.
• Perform various shared payroll duties (on a rotating basis/or department specific). Such duties include auditing and reconciling payroll specific reports, updating and keeping Self Service security accurate, processing of FLSA specific adjustments, and payroll email box delegate.

Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and requirements, including federal and state tax withholding rules, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and applicable payroll compliance standards sufficient to process, audit, or reconcile payroll timesheets, payroll transactions, labor distribution records, or other related financial data.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities sufficient to analyze payroll data, identify and research discrepancies, and/or resolve complex payroll issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail sufficient to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Educational qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent. Two or more years of payroll experience involving processing, auditing, or reconciling timesheets, transactions, labor distribution, or related financial data.
• Experience working in a public-sector or unionized environment, including interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, human resources and payroll policies related to overtime, shift differentials, leave accruals, and other payroll provisions.
• Experience using State of Minnesota payroll systems such as SEMA4, SWIFT, Self Service, or comparable HRIS/payroll platforms.
• Experience providing training, creating instructional materials, offering technical assistance, or developing and improving payroll policies and procedures.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of payroll experience involving processing, auditing, or reconciling timesheets, transactions, labor distribution, or related financial data.
• Experience working in a public-sector or unionized environment, including interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, human resources and payroll policies related to overtime, shift differentials, leave accruals, and other payroll provisions.
• Experience using State of Minnesota payroll systems such as SEMA4, SWIFT, Self Service, or comparable HRIS/payroll platforms.
• Experience providing training, creating instructional materials, offering technical assistance, or developing and improving payroll policies and procedures.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Skills

• Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and requirements, including federal and state tax withholding rules, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and applicable payroll compliance standards.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

Pay

$23.31 - $32.94 / hourly; $48,671 - $68,778 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday