Human Resources Associate - Payroll

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Payroll Associate to join the Payroll Services team. You will support accurate and timely payroll processing, respond to inquiries, and maintain spreadsheets while using Banner under supervision.

Your role emphasizes exceptional customer service, data accuracy, and the ability to interpret and communicate payroll-related information to a range of audiences in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Numerical accuracy with attention to detail in payroll processing.
• Proficiency with computers and payroll software and office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Process garnishments, fees, and deductions in compliance with regulations.
• Reconcile leave balances and pay history.
• Review and process EPAFs and enter data.
• Process payments for third-party vendors.

Skills

Numerical accuracy

Technical proficiency

Communication

Confidentiality and discretion

Organizational skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Payroll software proficiency

Office applications

Tools

Payroll software

Office applications

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26336

Join our dynamic and detail-oriented Payroll Services team at Montana State University and contribute to a collaborative environment focused on accuracy and exceptional service.

Position Number

Position Number 4M1329

Department

Department HR Benefits & Payroll Services

Division

Division Administration

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. The rate for current MSU employees will be determined by the Staff Compensation Plan.

Contract Type

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

University Human Resources takes pride in and is enthusiastic about supporting the University’s mission and strategic plan by providing professional and dedicated leadership, guidance, and administration of classification, recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employee/labor relations to the Montana State University Bozeman campus, Agricultural Experiment Stations, and Extension Service.

As a Payroll Associate, you will be a valued team member providing exceptional support and customer service. Your responsibilities will include assisting with payroll inquiries, maintaining spreadsheets, and utilizing Banner. Under direct supervision, the Payroll Associate supports University Human Resources, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while delivering exceptional customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, the Payroll Associate supports University Human Resources, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while delivering exceptional customer service.

Payroll Processing

• Process garnishments, fees, and deductions according to government regulations.
• Reconcile leave balances and pay history.
• Review and process Electronic Personnel Action Forms ( EPAF ) and enter relevant data.
• Process payments for various third-party vendors.

Customer Service

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Payroll Services, answering inquiries and providing assistance.
• Train and educate groups of people with various levels of understanding on payroll-related topics.

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records and databases.
• Assist with various administrative tasks as needed to support the department’s mission.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Numerical Accuracy: Ability to analyze numerical data and accurately process transactions.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience using computers and various software packages.
• Communication: Proven ability to effectively interpret and convey complex information, procedures, and directions in written and verbal formats (in-person, telephone, and business correspondence) to all audiences positively and professionally

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in a human resource environment and/or knowledge of human resource procedures, practices, policies, and laws.
• Experience in payroll processing.

The Successful Candidate Will

Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to effectively and confidently communicate complex concepts, verbally and in writing, to all audiences with varied levels of understanding in one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to handle difficult situations professionally and maintain composure under pressure.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Thrives in independent and collaborative work environments, effectively balancing individual tasks with team-oriented projects to foster a cooperative and productive work atmosphere.
• Ability to work in an open office with co-workers and frequent interruptions.

Confidentiality and Discretion

• Maintains high professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential situations and information.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in payroll software and office applications.
• Ability to apply solid mathematical skills to accurately perform calculations, analyze data, and solve complex payroll-related problems.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional approach while adapting to business practices or work environment changes.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage the workload.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).