Payroll Technician

Job Overview: The Payroll Specialist provides expertise and support to MSH, employees and patient workers as it relates to the processing of payroll, benefits usage, and employee record updates.    This position supports payroll processes for approximately 525 FTE and patient workers in collaboration with the HR/Payroll Department of DPHHS to ensure payroll functions are in compliance with bargaining agreements, pay plans, and state and federal rules. Additionally, this position provides timekeeping training to employees and supervisors.  Effective 1 July, 2023 the pay rate for this position will increase by $1.50/hr. 

Experience, training, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications must be entered into the online application.  Additional materials submitted, but not requested, will not be considered.

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Work for the state you Love to Live in.  Your paycheck is just part of a total compensation package.  Eligible employees have access to competitive, innovative benefits packages at an affordable cost.  All beginning on your first day of employment.  Highlights of our innovative benefit package include:

         Access to No Cost health centers

         Low-cost Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

         Retirement plan with employer

         15 Vacation days each year

         12 Sick days each year

         10 Paid Holidays each year

         Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program*

         Student Loan Repayment program*

         Flexible Spending Accounts

         Employee Assistance Program

         Wellness Programs

         One free meal per shift

         Shift differential*

*Subject to Eligibility Rules

Essential Duties or Responsibilities:  

1. Payroll Administration                          65%

• Reconciles the primary payroll tracking system for employee and patient timesheets utilizing systems including, but not limited to, the Statewide Accounting, Budget Human Resource (SABHRS) information system and submits payroll to the State/Central Payroll office.
• Ensures payroll functions are in compliance with bargaining agreements, pay plans, and state and federal rules.

• Completes payroll updates are entered into SABHRS and processed as required; maintains controls related to timekeeping accuracy and payroll data integrity in collaboration with DPHHS Agency Payroll.  
• Serves as a subject matter expert for payroll inquires and assists staff and management with timesheet completions.
• Researches and resolves paycheck issues including, but not limited to, incorrect pay, overpayment, or omitted pay.
• Calculates and prorates accruals of leave and other accounting functions related to payroll.
• Creates and provides payroll and compensation reports to senior management as requested.

1. Leave and Retirement                         20%

• Provides guidance and answers employee questions regarding leave benefits, allowable holiday time, leave without pay or new benefits.
• Calculates leave benefit usage and final paychecks for employees and provides individual employee accounting of compensation, benefit usage, contribution, and distribution of compensation as requested.   
• Tracks longevity hours for multiple purposes including, but not limited to, insurance and retirement eligibility and Registered Nurse bidding process.

• Completes financial reporting of all compensation and benefit usage as requested by Hospital Administration.

1. Training/ Timekeeping System           10%

• Provides training to employees and supervisors in group or individual settings on new time keeping modules.
• Provides timekeeping training for all new employees and supervisors.
• Conducts new employee orientation training and assists supervisors with training as requested.
• Provides access training and registers new users for the biometric time clock. 

1.  Other Duties as Assigned                  5%

• Serves on Hospital committees as assigned by the HR Manager or the Hospital Administrator.
• Participates in, and provides for other staff, continuing education and training programs.
• Assists with tasks and assignments provided by senior and executive leadership.
• Participates in team activities as directed.
• Provides input and feedback to Hospital Administrator / Chief Operations Officer as directed.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Typical office environment with extensive keyboarding requirements.  Normal schedule is a standard 40-hour week; however, longer hours might be necessary, including weekends and after office hours.  Position requires walking to all areas of the hospital and will include frequent contact with staff and occasional contact with patients. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(Required for first day of work)

         Strong working knowledge of payroll/benefits plans, processes and procedures, including special tax situations.

         Strong working knowledge of accounting methods and bookkeeping practices including procedures such as reconciliation, balancing and auditing.

         Strong working knowledge of payroll software systems.

         Written and verbal communication skills.

         Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

         Impeccable attention to detail for reports and records review.  

         Ability to interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, union contracts, etc. and apply them in varying circumstances.

         Ability to handle deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

         Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with employee information.

         Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions including using word processing, databases, email, internet and other computer programs.

Minimum qualifications (Education and Experience):

         Associate degree in accounting, business, human resources, or related field.

o   Directly relevant and recent experience (within past 3 years) may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

         3 years' experience working with payroll, benefits management, and accounting/payroll computer systems required. 

         2 years' experience with SABHRS State of Montana payroll processes and procedures preferred. 

         Experience with UKG Dimensions preferred.

         Proficiency test on MS Excel with a minimum score of 85% is required.

*Skills-based Test Instructions:

- Visit eskill.com

- Click on Assessment Taker Login

- Enter applicable test code (below) in the field

• For the Excel test use code: f5174641e8506b48

***Results of Excel test must be included with application.  Applications with missing scores, or scores below the minimum requirement as stated above will not be considered***

Candidates will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualifications listed above and on the extent to which the application materials show the candidate possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position.  The selection process may consist of review of application materials (application, resume, cover letter...), physical assessment, job skill test, interview(s), background check and reference checks.  Candidates whose application and supporting documentation (cover letter, resume) does not clearly indicate all minimum qualifications are met will not be considered.