Payroll Technician - Accounting Technician / Full-Time

Location: Silver Bay, Minnesota

Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position within the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. This role is not eligible for telework.

About the role

The Accounting Technician supports the Minnesota State Veterans Home by reviewing and processing payroll-related transactions, employee expense reimbursements, and scheduling and timekeeping system (EST) updates. This position ensures accurate payroll processing and timekeeping through collaboration with department supervisors, Human Resources, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and edit employee time entries in the Enterprise Scheduling and Timekeeping system (EST).
• Process retroactive payroll adjustments and payouts.
• Communicate and resolve time entry issues with staff and supervisors.
• Apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements to payroll and timekeeping.
• Create payroll-related reports and files.
• Maintain, review, and update EST for accuracy, troubleshoot problems, and provide timekeeping reports.
• Train new employees on EST and payroll procedures.
• Assist with supply stocking and fixed asset tracking and accounting.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of accounting-related experience demonstrating the following:
• Knowledge and skills in reviewing and entering employee time and leave in a payroll or timekeeping system (e.g., SEMA4, EST, or comparable).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to analyze, interpret, and prepare financial records, locate errors, and recommend solutions.
• Math skills to calculate, review, adjust, and reconcile payroll data.
• Data entry and spreadsheet skills using software like Microsoft Word and Excel to create, maintain, and report payroll and timekeeping data.
• Communication and customer service skills to train and guide staff on payroll and timekeeping procedures.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply state/federal laws and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions regarding employee work time, leaves, and business expenses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• One or more years of payroll processing experience.
• Experience using SEMA4 and/or EST for employee timekeeping and payroll processing.
• Experience applying CBA provisions related to employee time and leave.
• Experience providing training and support to staff on payroll and timekeeping procedures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check (finalist must pass).
• Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening or chest x-ray required prior to employment.
• Employment reference checks will be conducted for finalists.

Pay

$23.31 - $32.94 per hour; $48,671 - $68,778 annually.

Schedule

• Day shift: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Monday through Friday.
• No travel required.

Benefits

• Full employer contribution toward health and dental insurance.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing retirement income (after three years of service).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services (e.g., chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding, union agreements, location, and length of service.