Payroll Analyst, Senior - ( 2026-2027) Finance

Payroll Analyst, Senior

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, perform general ledger analysis of payroll liability accounts and third party vendors; provide technical and functional support for all payroll operations including initiating and reviewing reports to ensure data integrity and accuracy of the following: payroll simulations, wage reports, bank and vendor transactions; responsible for payroll taxes, tax audit compliance and tax updates; support the Payroll Manager in oversight of successful Payroll Department operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS --Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure federal and state payroll regulations are enforced.  Assist payroll staff in interpreting, and applying payroll and benefit laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; answer inquiries from internal and external clients, resolves problems and recommends solutions; refers employees to other appropriate resources as necessary.
• Assist in high level monitoring and auditing of hourly time to detect delays or system issues that may compromise the ability to process payroll.
• Reconcile and balance payroll and benefit data for monthly payroll general ledger closing.
• Review and analyze salary and benefits for accuracy.  Calculate and verify retroactive salary data.  Perform random audits and data analysis testing on payroll time entries.
• Assist Payroll Manager with quarterly and annual tax reports including 941’s and W-2’s.  Pay Biweekly Federal and State taxes. Assist in coordinating year end balancing.
• Collaborate with Finance team to analyze payroll processes and systems to identify inefficiencies and research alternatives to resolve critical payroll issues.
• In collaboration with internal departments, prepare, balance, and submit 3rd party vendor files.
• Collect payroll data and information for statistical analysis.  Responsible for ongoing analysis of payroll data for budgeting.  Create ad hoc reports as requested for research data projects.
• Participates in and/or leads various special projects as identified by the payroll manager in support of Human Resource and Finance initiatives.
• Assist the payroll manager in oversight of daily payroll operations.  Assist manager on annual financial audits, including preparation of payroll liability account reconciliations.
• Effectively communicates with other district departments, vendors, and government agencies in regard to payroll related operations.
• Provide customer services; respond to requests for information, and attempt to resolve the requests by researching files and records within the scope of authority; update, retrieve and release information according to procedures; refer matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment 
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration or related field; AND five (5) years of payroll experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable state and Federal statutes, laws, rules, codes, and regulations governing payroll, taxes, and benefits.
• Accounting and budgeting principles and methods for public sector payroll accounting.
• Payroll and benefits accounting rules and regulations, including union contracts and multiple pension plans.
• Specialized MPS and state agency accounting software applications.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software applications.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying MPS policies, and Federal, state and local laws governing payroll, taxes, and benefits.
• Maintaining payroll documentation, verifying, and reconciling payroll information and reports.
• Meeting deadlines and strict time frames for payroll processing.
• Correcting and updating financial information systems and generating reports.
• Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
• Performing mathematical calculations with skill and accuracy.
• Reviewing and correcting mathematical calculations and computations.
• Operating a personal computer using specialized software, and entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, in a technical environment with interlinked and changing priorities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

- A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. 

- Must possess and maintain a valid Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit:    MACA
• Grade:                   58
• FLSA Status:         Non-Exempt
• Job Group:            Finance
• Revised:                February 24, 2026