Payroll and Benefits Specialist (Limited Term Employment)

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin’s DHS in Madison seeks a Payroll and Benefits Specialist (LTE), with daytime hours, up to 20 hours per week. Remote option available up to 5 days per week, with occasional reporting to the DHS State Office Building in downtown Madison.

The role focuses on reviewing and auditing payroll and benefit reports, assisting with timesheets and enrollments, and handling resignations and terminations as needed. Wisconsin residency required.

Qualifications

• Experience in an office setting performing administrative activities.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs to perform tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support payroll and benefit activities and audits.
• Assist employees with timesheets, enrollments, resignations and terminations.
• Perform related payroll and benefits tasks as needed.

Skills

Office administration

Microsoft Office

Job description

Introduction

Join our team as a Payroll and Benefits Specialist (entry or advanced level) within the Division of Personnel Management and provide payroll and benefits services to the Department of Health Services (DHS) employees.

We are recruiting for a Limited Term Employment (LTE) Payroll and Benefits Specialist willing to work daytime hours Monday - Friday, up to 20 hours per week. Hours will be flexible to the extent that operational needs are met. This position has the ability to work remotely up to 5 days per week but will be required to report to the office location at the DHS State Office Building in downtown Madison (201 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI) on occasion to complete certain tasks.

LTE Employment Details

• LTE positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to a permanent civil service classified position and do not lead to permanent status.
• Wisconsin residency is required for LTE positions.
• No more than 1039 hours may be worked in a 12-month year.

Position Summary

Primary responsibilities include supporting payroll and benefit activities. This includes reviewing and auditing both payroll and benefit reports. Duties may include assisting employees with timesheets, benefit enrollments, resignations and terminations, and other related payroll and benefits as needed.

Salary Information

• The starting pay for the Payroll & Benefits Specialist is between $24.00 and $28.50 per hour depending on qualifications. The pay schedule and range is 81/05.
• The starting pay for the Payroll & Benefits Specialist - Advanced is between $29.00 and $31.50 per hour depending on qualifications. The pay schedule and range is 81/04.
• Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

Job Details

• All appointees will be required to allow DOA to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
• Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high‑speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. Remote work flexibility will be discussed in more detail during the interview process.
• DOA does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DOA/DHS is not an E‑Verify employer nor a STEM‑OPT eligible employer.
• LTEs must be a Wisconsin resident.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following:

• Experience in an office setting performing administrative activities (e.g., scheduling meetings, reviewing documentation to ensure accuracy and completion, responding to emails, assisting with work projects, etc.).
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs to perform tasks such as creating mail merges, using excel functions, creating or editing documents or reports, reviewing and entering data, etc.

Well-qualified applicants will have at least one of the following:

• Experience processing payroll or benefits transactions.
• Experience with the State of Wisconsin payroll and benefits administration procedures.

Equal Opportunity

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is Monday, October 5, 2026, by 11:59 pm CT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.