Payroll Specialist (Business Office)

Intermediate School District 917•Rosemount, MN

7d•$78,000•Onsite

About The Position

Intermediate School District 917 is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our team at the District Office in Rosemount, MN. In this position, you will act as a responsible steward of public funds, balancing technical accounting with a commitment to exceptional service. This position requires working collaboratively and partnering with Finance, Human Resources, and district leadership to ensure that every member of our staff is paid accurately and on time. We are looking for a professional who pairs strong mathematical and logical problem-solving skills with a high degree of empathy. Because you are a primary point of contact for staff regarding their compensation, your ability to communicate complex information with clarity and respect is essential to our core values. This position is responsible for safeguarding the district's financial resources through accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls.

Requirements

An Associate or Technical degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field (Bachelor Degree Preferred)
At least two years of professional experience in payroll or accounting (we also value the right mix of education and "on-the-job" experience)
Exceptional mathematical skills and the ability to solve complex payroll issues through logical problem-solving
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with a commitment to providing clear and empathetic support to staff
Ability to enter payroll data and contract information with high-level accuracy
High proficiency in Windows-based environments, with specific expertise in Microsoft Excel for data management
Successful completion of the district's office skills assessments is a condition of employment

Nice To Haves

Direct experience managing payroll within a school district or educational setting
Familiarity with school-specific HRIS or payroll software (e.g., Skyward, Efinance, or similar platforms)

Responsibilities

Manage the full payroll cycle from setting up pay and deduction codes, pay calendars, salary changes, and employee direct deposit information.
Process payroll deductions, payroll adjustments and stipend payments
Calculate, verify, and finalize payroll; generate paychecks and transmit TRA and PERA direct deposit files.
Balance payroll accounts against the general ledger and reconcile discrepancies
Upload and verify timesheets, ensuring that regular hours, overtime, and leave are calculated correctly
Maintain payroll and deduction calendars and fiscal year-to-date balances.
Manage tax withholdings and registrations, prepare necessary tax forms, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local tax laws.
Generate and distribute payroll reports; post and import general ledger files
Prepare and submit payments and reporting to state and federal agencies
Complete quarterly and annual reporting including TRA, PERA, 941 files, W-2s, and other state and federal agencies, as well as Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reporting
Prepare payroll records and/or appropriate documentation for the annual audit and workers compensation audit
Provide clear, timely, and respectful information and support to employees regarding payroll, deductions, and other payroll related items
Handle employment verification requests and unemployment inquiries from state agencies
Maintain payroll and deduction calendars and fiscal year-to-date balances.
Reconcile withholding accounts with the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
Generate and distribute payroll reports; post and import general ledger files.
Prepare and submit payroll payments and reporting to state and federal agencies.
Complete quarterly and annual reporting including TRA, PERA, AHC, W-2s, and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reporting.
Assist with preparation of payroll records for the annual audit