Manager of Payroll and HRIS - Tribal Operations

Job Summary

The Manager of Payroll and HRIS has a vital role in managing Tribal Operations payroll processes for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and ensuring the human capital management (HCM) system supports the need of the organization and HR. This role serves as the business payroll subject matter expert and primary escalation point for complex payroll, tax, and compliance matters. In addition, this role leads initiatives in partnering with Tribal Operations leaders and HR to translate business challenges into scalable solutions, including automation, workflow optimization, and process improvements that streamline the SMSC's HCM system, tools, and reports.

Primary Job Duties

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process (calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions) for Tribal Operations team members across multiple enterprises, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Maintain and update the payroll system to ensure accurate team member data, pay rates, deductions, benefits enrollment, eligibility, and carrier/vendor reporting.
• Partner or lead internal and external audits, benefits reporting requirements, EEO reporting, and records requests.
• Ensure 401(k) files for weekly payroll are accurately sent to retirement administrator.
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance as needed.
• Manage quarterly and yearly payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local taxes, and ensure timely submission of tax forms such as W-2s.
• Lead day-to-day HRIS operations, including user access, system maintenance, and issue resolution.
• Oversee development of interactive dashboards and report solutions that communicate workforce trends including headcount, turnover, hiring, and other metrics.
• Lead HRIS governance standards, including security roles, reporting definition, and data completeness and accuracy while supporting the HR technology roadmap.
• Lead the development of HR reports and analytics capabilities to move to more predictive insights.
• Lead initiatives throughout the year, including-but not limited to-annual performance reviews, merit administration, and benefits open enrollment.
• Maintain confidentiality and protection of team member personal data.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Payroll and HRIS team. Hire, coach, mentor, and develop team members; set clear goals and expectations; manage performance; and build a culture grounded in accountability, trust, continuous learning, and innovation while fostering an engaging, positive, and productive team environment.

Reflects MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE required to meet the expectations of this job:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as payroll manager, with experience using UKG payroll system.
• Experience with UKG HRIS required, including system maintenance, reporting, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax requirements, wage and hour rules.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency with payroll system(s), preferably UKG.
• Strong experience with HR data and reporting tools, including building dashboards in Tableau.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) Suite and HR-related software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced quantitative skills, including data manipulation, statistical analysis, and visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to work within and collaborate with a team.
• Willingness and ability to take initiative and operate independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.