Payroll Specialist II

State of Vermont•Calais, VT

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist II performs advanced payroll functions and supports reconciliation and reporting activities for payroll operations. This role provides backup and support for the financial components of payroll, including payroll payments, journal entries, and reporting, and may assist the Payroll Production Lead as needed. The position also supports audits, researches and helps document applicable state and federal payroll rules and regulations, resolves more complex discrepancies, and serves as a resource for payroll-related questions while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to deadlines. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of payroll processes, including multi-state tax withholding, and will thrive in a collaborative, small team environment where meeting ongoing deadlines is essential. This position requires strong attention to detail, comfort with data entry and mathematical calculations, and solid problem-solving skills. Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel formulas, as well as Outlook and Teams is preferred, along with basic accounting knowledge. The successful candidate will be able to work independently while remaining flexible to direction from supervisors or peers, communicate clearly and professionally with employees and leadership, and maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of the work.

Requirements

Working knowledge of payroll processes, including multi-state tax withholding
Thrive in a collaborative, small team environment where meeting ongoing deadlines is essential
Strong attention to detail
Comfort with data entry and mathematical calculations
Solid problem-solving skills
Basic accounting knowledge
Able to work independently while remaining flexible to direction from supervisors or peers
Communicate clearly and professionally with employees and leadership
Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of the work
Two (2) years or more of college coursework in accounting, business or public administration, or related field AND three (3) or more years of experience in payroll processing, tax withholding and general accounting principles, or providing administrative-level support to a business or organization.
Five (5) years or more of professional level experience in payroll processing, tax withholding and general accounting principles, or providing administrative-level support to a business or organization.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree
Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel formulas, as well as Outlook and Teams is preferred
Experience or working knowledge of the PeopleSoft HCM (Human Capital Management), Financials, or Workday payroll systems
Knowledge of human resource principles and practices
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite

Responsibilities

Performs advanced payroll functions
Supports reconciliation and reporting activities for payroll operations
Provides backup and support for the financial components of payroll, including payroll payments, journal entries, and reporting
Assists the Payroll Production Lead as needed
Supports audits
Researches and helps document applicable state and federal payroll rules and regulations
Resolves more complex discrepancies
Serves as a resource for payroll-related questions
Maintains accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to deadlines

Benefits

80% State paid medical premium
Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
Low cost group life insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume