Payroll Lead / Human Resources Specialist 1

About the Role

The Payroll Lead provides professional and technical support services for the DNR Human Resources unit. The position will provide lead direction in the administration of the following Human Resource functions: payroll, payroll transaction auditing, safety and worker's compensation payroll buyback, and limited contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the payroll function for the DNR ensuring services are delivered consistently and in compliance with State and Federal laws, Labor Union contracts, Fair Labor Standards Act, FMLA, and other policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and consultation services to management, co-workers, and others requesting information or services from Human Resources so that customers trust and seek advice and counsel from HR to answer questions and make decisions.
• Create and conduct audits to ensure compliance with policies, bargaining contracts and plans, statutes and laws.
• Manage the worker's compensation overpayment for the department so overpayments are collected and leave accruals are adjusted accurately and timely.
• Provide technical support to contract negotiations and labor relations activities so appropriate analysis and review is completed in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in human resources or payroll.
• Experience following confidentiality guidelines and handling sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while experience frequent interruptions.
• Ability to identify and address multiple duties, work under pressure, and be flexible with changing priorities.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills sufficient to perform job duties effectively.
• Experience with applying state and federal employment laws, Minnesota Statutes, personnel rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and State of Minnesota bargaining agreements/salary plans.
• Ability and desire to work cooperatively with others as a team.
• Knowledge and experience with complex workers' compensation policy and guidelines.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, managers, supervisors, and external sources.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software applications sufficient to independently manage documents, files, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to lead payroll staff by guiding, training, and consulting staff daily to ensure processes are completed accurately and within set deadlines.
• Problem solving skills sufficient to analyze, research, discuss, and handle complex and/or new situations and resolve issues/problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience processing payroll.
• Three (3) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in a human resources or finance office.
• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field.
• Extensive experience in using SEMA4 or similar personnel management system sufficient to review employee and position information, pull standard reports, and accurately enter personnel transaction.
• Experience in any of the following areas: Data practices for personnel records, FMLA, FLSA, Workers' compensation, Unemployment compensation claims processing.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond appropriately to request for data.
• Writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational material for agency-wide distribution to employees.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• 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
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Schedule

Day Shift, Monday - Friday. No travel required.

Pay

$26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually