Payroll Lead - Management Analyst 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota in St. Paul is seeking a Payroll Lead to coordinate and maintain the Payroll Services Unit within the Fiscal Management division. You will ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, and costs are charged correctly.

The role develops and enforces payroll policies, leverages SEMA4 for payroll systems, and requires experience with payroll data analysis and coaching peers. Telework eligibility and daytime hours are part of the role.

Qualifications

• One year of experience processing payroll.
• Experience analyzing payroll data and preparing payroll reports.
• Experience coaching, training, and providing guidance to peers.
• Experience with process improvement and strengthening internal controls.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with an emphasis on creating spreadsheets and applying formulas.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and maintain the Payroll Services unit and the department’s payroll operations.
• Ensure employees are paid accurately and on time and personnel expenses are properly charged.
• Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies and procedures to support compliance, accuracy, and consistent payroll practices.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll data analysis

Coaching/training

Process improvement

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, TE

Prioritization

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SEMA4

Job description

Working Title: Payroll Lead

Job Class: Management Analyst 2

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 97334

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/05/2026.

• Date Posted : 09/29/2026

• Closing Date : 10/12/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE

• Division/Unit : Fiscal Management

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is responsible for coordinating and maintaining the Payroll Services unit and the department’s payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time and personnel expenses are properly charged. The position also develops, implements, and maintains payroll policies and procedures to support compliance, accuracy, and consistent payroll practices.

This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience processing payroll

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience analyzing payroll data and preparing payroll reports.

• Experience coaching, training, and providing guidance to peers.

• Experience with process improvement and strengthening internal controls.

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with an emphasis on creating spreadsheets and applying formulas.

• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field, as determined by the agency.

• Experience providing excellent customer service and support to employees.

• Experience developing, maintaining, and applying payroll policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and requirements.

• Knowledge and experience using Statewide Employee Management (SEMA4) or other payroll systems.

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.