Payroll and Benefits Specialist Advanced

Introduction
The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is looking to fill a Payroll and Benefits Specialist Advanced position.
The DMA provides essential, effective, and responsive military and emergency management capability for the citizens of our state and nation. DMA includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.
During emergencies, no single organization can handle the response. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs consists of several organizations working together to plan, prepare, coordinate, and respond effectively when our communities and neighbors need us the most.
DMA is located on the east side of Madison just north of the Madison College Truax Campus on Wright Street. We are in a beautiful facility with a weight room and exercise facility, locker room, indoor pickleball and basketball courts; all with free parking just outside the door. We offer an opportunity to work with a team of dedicated professionals, a wonderful work/life balance and meaningful work for an organization with a truly worthwhile mission. I n addition, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $39/month for single plans and $96/month for family plans after two months of employment).
• A casual atmosphere and flexible work schedules, depending on the position's requirements.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• 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 wellbeing.

Position Summary
The Payroll and Benefits Specialist Advanced position will provide the full range of Payroll and Benefits services within the Human Resources Office (including State Active Duty Payroll and military leave/pay differential programs). This position performs highly responsible Payroll and Benefits Specialist work focusing on the preparation of departmental bi-weekly payroll, preparation of federal and state reports, maintenance of leave accounting records, provision of employee benefit counseling, new employee orientation, as well as other human resource activities.
The incumbent will provide expertise and consultation on Payroll and Benefits to employees, managers and other HR staff. This position serves as the primary contact for all Payroll and Benefits services for all DMA employees in assigned work units. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisors, employees and all customers.
Salary Information
Starting pay is between $28.00 - $31.50 per hour ($58,240 - $65,520 annually) . This position is in Pay Schedule/Range 81-04. A 12-month probationary period may be required. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees is based on the State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
Prior to any appointment for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates will be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check.
Qualifications
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will have experience in the following areas:

• Performing Payroll and/or benefits administration tasks such as processing bi-weekly payroll, auditing/reconciling payroll transactions and adjustments, and reconciling benefits transactions.
• Interpreting, developing, and revising policies or procedures related to Payroll and/or benefits administration.
• Using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) for payroll or benefits administration, such as PeopleSoft, Kronos, ADP.
• Creating and managing reports, spreadsheets, memos, etc. to be used in a professional setting.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, well qualified candidates will also have experience with:

• Working with State of Wisconsin policies and procedures related to Payroll and Benefits administration.
• Using PeopleSoft to process payroll or benefits activities.
• Performing payroll & benefits tasks in an organization with 100 or more employees.
• Working as a liaison or central point of contact for an organization with multiple geographic sites.
• Performing administration tasks related to State of Wisconsin Worker's Compensation and Military Leave benefits.

How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your application materials are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. You should clearly describe your education, training, and experience related to the items listed in the "Qualifications" section of the job announcement. These qualifications should be addressed in your resume and expanded upon in your letter of qualifications. This will allow a fuller assessment regarding your qualifications and those required for the job applying for. For instructions on how to develop and what should be included in these materials, click here . The vast majority of applicants are able to outline their background and experience in their resume in 1-3 pages; the same applies to the letter of qualification.
Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked "Submit."
References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place.
NOTE: Current/former State employees interested in a permissive transfer, demotion or reinstatement consideration must also apply.
The DMA is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for positions. If any questions arise, please contact Michele Sorum, HR Specialist at michele.sorum@widma.gov or 608-242-3149. For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Frequently Asked Questions .
Deadline to Apply
On-line application materials must be finalized by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in order to be considered.
If you have technical difficulties, Wisc.Jobs helpdesk is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm at 608-267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov . Some applicants report better performance when using the Chrome browser.