Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll and Benefits Specialist – Temporary

Starting Date: Immediately

Part‑time, temporary position.

7 hours/day.

Under basic supervision, performs technical payroll accounting functions, administers employee benefits programs, and maintains technical and accounting records for MPS; researches, reconciles, and assures the accuracy of the payroll ledgers and accounts; assists employees with benefits issues, and provides customer service within scope of authority.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Processes payroll, benefits, and technical transactions, in compliance with all applicable federal and state rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures; exercises high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Compiles and reviews payroll, benefits, and related data; validates data, enters data into computer systems, and maintains payroll and benefits database; assures the accuracy of the payroll records.
• Reviews source documents for compliance to rules and regulations; determines proper handling of payroll and technical transactions within designated limits; reports discrepancies.
• Checks payroll and benefits documents for validity and accuracy of information; performs mathematical calculations; reviews and reconciles transactions and records, and corrects errors as required.
• Collects payroll, benefits, and administrative information and compiles data for reports; identifies and researches payroll issues, and recommends solutions; prepares and distributes required reports.
• Prepares payrolls for review, approval, and submittal to the Business Manager; generates technical payroll reports for government agencies; tracks and updates employee information for taxes and benefit deductions, wage assignments, retirement, and other payments.
• Interprets and explains employee benefits policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; works with employees to explain benefits enrollment options, and assists with forms and change procedures; assists with open enrollments, onboarding new employees, and processing exiting employees.
• Provides information and assistance to employees as authorized; responds to requests for information, and attempts to resolve them by researching files and records within the scope of authority; refers matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• Maintains computer time‑keeping system for payroll management; trains users as needed; calculates and reports federal and state payroll taxes; reconciles all quarterly payroll tax.
• Oversees the work of assigned staff, and verifies compliance with MPS policies and procedures.
• Supports the relationship between the Minot Public School District and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and District staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work‑related issues, client records, and District information; follows compliance rules governing child abuse; performs related duties as required or assigned.

Education, training, and experience guidelines:
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field; and three years payroll accounting and benefits program experience, preferably with a public sector agency; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• MPS organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of municipal finance and records management.
• General accounting standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Payroll accounting rules, regulations, methods, and procedures.
• State and federal regulations governing payroll and benefits accounting functions, including North Dakota Century Code § 71.
• Business and personal computers, spreadsheet software applications, and specialized accounting software applications.

• Understanding and applying accounting standards and procedures, and applicable federal and state rules and regulations for payroll accounting.
• Verifying and reconciling payroll information, and maintaining payroll documentation and…