Payroll/HR Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of State Police in Salem, Virginia seeks a Payroll/HR Specialist to serve as Lead Field Time and Attendance/HR Analyst for the western region. The role involves overseeing divisions, supporting other analysts, and ensuring data integrity in the Cardinal HCM system for time and leave management.

You will provide front-line support, assist with ESS functions, and collaborate with program units, contributing to efficient payroll processing and human resource operations in a complex

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll processing, time reporting, earnings and deductions, and state policies.
• Familiarity with record keeping for payroll documentation.
• Understanding of timekeeping and absence management rules.
• Knowledge of FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and related benefits.
• High school graduation or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Lead field Time and Attendance/HR analysis for the western region.
• Oversee divisions and support other Lead Field Time and Attendance/HR Analyst and SPHQ Lead Payroll/HR Analyst.
• Ensure integrity of time and absence/leave data in Cardinal HCM for Virginia State Police.
• Provide administrative support for MVIP and the FSoiu unit, coordinating records and operations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

HR data analysis

Timekeeping

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cardinal HCM

Job description

Title

Title: Payroll/HR Specialist DSP01889

State Role Title:Human Resources Analyst I

Hiring Range: $60,000 to $74,000 Final compensation is based on Virginia's 13 Pay Factors, internal alignment, and relevant experience. Top-range placement is not guaranteed.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of State Police

Location:Salem, Virginia

Agency Website:vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E

Job Duties

About the Position:

• Serving as the Lead Field Time and Attendance/HR Analyst for the western region.
• Overseeing the assigned divisions and supporting the other Lead Field Time and Attendance/HR Analyst and SPHQ Lead Payroll/HR Analyst.
• Ensuring the integrity of time and absence/leave data entered by classified and wage staff into the Cardinal Human Capital Management (HCM) system for Virginia State Police and serves as first line support and subject matter expert for the HCM time and leave/absence management processes related to Employee Self Services (ESS) functions.
• Providing administrative support for the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP) and the Firearms and Sex Offender Investigative Unit (FSOIU), ensuring the effective coordination of administrative activities, communications, records management, and operational support for these program areas.

About the Agency

About the Agency:

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization — we’re a united team of problem‑solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia.

When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve. Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement — together.

We prioritize the readiness and well‑being of all our people, entrusting decision‑making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP.

If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of something larger than yourself, your next career starts here.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic business principles including organizational operations, administrative practices, and customer service standards.
• Knowledge of payroll processing practices, including time reporting, earnings and deductions, and compliance with state policies.
• Knowledge of record keeping practices for maintaining accurate, auditable personnel and payroll documentation.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics used in payroll calculations, auditing, reconciliations, and data verification.
• Knowledge of timekeeping practices, absence management rules, and personnel policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of human resource practices to include FMLA, Workers' Compensation, Parental Leave and any other benefit related program.

Skills:

• Skill in using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook, along with general office equipment.
• Skill in analyzing, monitoring, reconciling, and correcting HR, payroll, and timekeeping data.
• Skill in preparing and updating business processes, procedures, and training materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively support employees, supervisors, managers, and internal stakeholders.

Abilities:

• Ability to train and provide onboarding support, including guiding employees through timekeeping, payroll processes, and Employee Self Service tools.
• Ability to multitask and apply strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and issues simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to adjust to evolving systems, processes, and organizational needs.
• Ability to accurately enter, maintain, monitor, and reconcile data in automated HR, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• Ability to track and review employee absences, leave balances, and time management records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Ability to resolve time reporting issues, including coding errors, exceptions, and leave‑without‑pay/pay‑docking situations.
• Ability to assist in developing and editing business processes, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
• Ability to recommend workable solutions for Employee Self Service challenges and identify process improvements.
• Ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to take initiative to complete work and to help move the section forward.
• This position requires travel when necessary to conduct training for Department customers.
• Directly related experience working in human resources, with knowledge of timekeeping practices and personnel policies and procedures.
• Combination of education, experience, and training, demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of Virginia Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, disability programs, and related leave programs for analyzing timekeeping exceptions and coding validation (preferred).
• Knowledge of automated HR, payroll, and time and attendance systems such as Cardinal HCM (preferred)

Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s), to include pre-employment testing, a presentation and/or a work sample, if applicable; salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable. The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.

It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.