Payroll & HRIS Lead for Tribal Operations

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC); Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manager of Payroll and HRIS at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) leads Tribal Operations payroll processes and ensures the HCM system supports HR and business needs, acting as the payroll SME and escalation point for complex issues. This role partners with Tribal Operations leaders to translate challenges into scalable solutions, including automation and workflow optimization.

This position also drives governance of HRIS security, data accuracy, and timely tax filings, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as payroll manager with UKG payroll system.
• Experience with UKG HRIS, including maintenance and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax requirements, wage and hour rules.
• Proficiency with HR data and reporting tools, including dashboards in Tableau.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll for Tribal Operations across enterprises ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and update payroll system data, pay rates, deductions, and reporting.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, benefits reporting requirements, EEO reporting, and records requests.
• Ensure timely filing of quarterly and yearly payroll taxes and W-2s.
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance as needed.
• Lead day-to-day HRIS operations, including user access and issue resolution.
• Oversee development of interactive dashboards and report solutions that communicate workforce trends.
• Lead HRIS governance standards and data accuracy aligned with roadmap.
• Lead development of HR reports and analytics for predictive insights.
• Lead annual performance reviews, merit administration, and benefits open enrollment.
• Maintain confidentiality and protection of team member personal data.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Payroll and HRIS team.

Skills

Payroll management

UKG experience

HR analytics

Dashboards

Leadership & mentoring

Communication skills

Data reporting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Accounting/Business

Tools

UKG Payroll

UKG HRIS

Tableau

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Manager of Payroll and HRIS at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) leads Tribal Operations payroll processes and ensures the HCM system supports HR and business needs, acting as the payroll SME and escalation point for complex issues. This role partners with Tribal Operations leaders to translate challenges into scalable solutions, including automation and workflow optimization.

This position also drives governance of HRIS security, data accuracy, and timely tax filings, while