Payroll & Benefits Systems Coordinator Senior – Central Payroll

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Well Wisconsin Wellness Program

Generous leave time

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Administration seeks a Payroll & Benefits Systems Coordinator-Senior for the Central Payroll Unit in the State Controller’s Office, located in Madison. The role supports payroll processing and benefits systems, reporting to the Payroll & Benefits Program Supervisor, handling complex system time & labor and absence calculations.

This position requires collaboration across teams, development of training materials, and expertise with STAR PeopleSoft or similar

Qualifications

• Possess Payroll, HR or Finance experience within a large HRIS/Payroll system (preferably PeopleSoft HCM, Oracle, SAP, Workday)
• Experience reviewing and applying payroll-related law, tax regulations, Statute, Code, and complex policies for compliance and to resolve complex payroll situations.
• Experience auditing and resolving data discrepancies (e.g. verifying data, researching issues, timesheet or benefit adjustments, reconciliation, data analysis, correcting data entry errors, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Solve complex issues related to system time & labor and absence calculations.
• Assist with agency requests and develop internal and external training materials.
• Work cooperatively with Central Payroll staff to provide coverage in payroll processing and STAR PeopleSoft system support duties.

Skills

Payroll experience

HR experience

Finance experience

PeopleSoft HCM

Tools

PeopleSoft

Time & Labor

Absence Management

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title Payroll & Benefits Systems Coordinator Senior – Central Payroll

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

We are recruiting for a Payroll & Benefit System Coordinator-Senior. We are seeking an individual who is highly motivated and detail oriented to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven setting. This individual will also possess strong communication skills and have a background in payroll. This position is located in the Central Payroll Unit in the State Controller’s Office, within the Division of Executive Budget and Finance (DEBF). The position will be headquartered at the DOA Office Building at 101 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703.

The employee hired into this position will be expected to work from the headquarter location at least two days per week with the possibility of working from home the remaining days.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration areAdaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Payroll & Benefits Program Supervisor, this position will perform various payroll-related administrative and technical functions as part of the Central Payroll section in the State Controller’s Office.

These duties could encompass tasks such as solving complex issues related to system time & labor and absence calculations, assisting with agency requests and developing internal and external training materials. This position will work cooperatively with other Central Payroll staff to provide coverage in various payroll processing and STAR PeopleSoft system support duties performed by our section.

This position is in the schedule-range (81-03) with an hourly rate between $35.00 and $39.00 ($72,800 - $81,120 annually). A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

In addition, we offer a complete benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal holiday to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that rolls over each year.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program – a free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire.

Certain positions within this Department may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Per current DEBF policy, this position will be expected to report into the headquarter location at least 2 days a week.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have the following:

• Possess Payroll, HR or Finance experience within a large HRIS/Payroll system (preferably PeopleSoft HCM, Oracle, SAP, Workday)
• Experience reviewing and applying payroll-related law, tax regulations, Statute, Code, and complex policies for compliance and to resolve complex payroll situations.
• Experience auditing and resolving data discrepancies (e.g. verifying data, researching issues, timesheet or benefit adjustments, reconciliation, data analysis, correcting data entry errors, etc.)

Additionally, a well-qualified candidate may have knowledge or experience in the following:

• Payroll calculations including taxes, benefits, and miscellaneous deductions.
• Experience working within state government, higher education, large healthcare systems, county or municipal government, or large employers using enterprise HRIS platforms
• Maintaining payroll system integrity—Testing, troubleshooting, or implementing enhancements to payroll or HR information systems (such as PeopleSoft Payroll, Time & Labor, Absence Management, or similar ERP systems)

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on September 13, 2026.