Demo

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

State of Wisconsin
Madison, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 1/29/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/28/2025

Introduction


Join our team as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist (entry or advanced level) within the Division of Personnel Management. We are looking for a talented individual to assist with payroll and benefits processing for employees working at Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) in Madison, WI. This is one of seven facilities managed by the Department of Health Services (DHS).

This full-time position will be headquartered at MMHI, located on the Northside of Madison. This position offers the ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week after the initial training period. We offer a team-oriented atmosphere with daytime working hours, Monday - Friday. The schedule may vary based on training and operational needs.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

  • 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time.
  • Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
  • Premium pension plan with at least a 6.95% employer match in 2025. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
  • Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
  • Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
  • A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary


In this role, you will perform payroll and benefits activities for the staff at MMHI. Duties include processing biweekly payroll; coordinating and processing employee benefit services; managing leave accounting; interpreting and applying wage and benefit provisions; providing direction to staff and managers on time and attendance, and providing expert advice and counsel to management and staff on a variety of payroll and benefits related issues. Additionally, you may assist with worker’s compensation duties, including managing claims.

This position requires a high level of confidentiality, discretion, attention to detail, time management and professionalism.

Salary Information

  • The starting pay is between $24.75 and $29.75 per hour (approximately between $51,500 and $61,800 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits.
  • A 12-month probationary period is required.
  • The position will be filled at either the Payroll and Benefits Specialist, pay schedule/range 81/05, or the Payroll and Benefits Specialist – Advanced level, pay schedule/range 81/04. The level of the position and salary will be determined based on the qualifications of the selected candidate at the time of hire.
  • Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

Job Details

  • All applicants who may be appointed to these positions will be required to allow DOA to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
  • Employees at MMHI will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by medical personnel approved by the facility within 30 days of the start date.
  • DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.
  • Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet for remote work option.

Qualifications


At a minimum, you’ll need the following:

  • Experience working in one of the following roles: payroll, benefits, fiscal support, or Human Resources administrative support, performing duties such as processing payroll or benefits transactions, modifying employee timesheet entries, employee benefits administration, completing accounts receivable/payable transactions, bookkeeping, scheduling interviews, applicant or employee communication, background checks, etc.
  • Experience reviewing, auditing, and resolving data discrepancies, performing duties such as analyzing and verifying data, researching issues, making timesheet or benefit adjustments, reconciling, correcting data entry errors, etc.
  • Experience using computer programs such as Microsoft Office applications to perform duties such as typing correspondence, reviewing reports, entering data, sorting or filtering data, etc.

It’d be great if you also have at least one of the following:

  • Experience using a Human Resources Information System (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, SAP, ADP, etc.) for payroll or benefit processing activities.
  • Experience processing payroll and/or benefits for a large organization (i.e., 200 or more employees).
  • Experience performing payroll or benefit duties in a public sector, 24/7 or healthcare setting.
  • Experience managing or processing worker’s compensation claims, including reviewing documents from medical providers and consulting with employees and supervisors.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

How To Apply


Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.

Helpful Information:

  • Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
  • You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
  • Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
  • Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
  • Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
  • If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
  • For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Alyssa Kjin, HR Specialist- Advanced, at Alyssa.kjin@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DOA is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply


The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 6 by 11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Salary : $51,500 - $61,800

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