Payroll Lead - Management Analyst 2

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays per year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Pension plan

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Payroll Lead to supervise payroll services, ensure accurate timing and payment of employee salaries, and maintain compliant payroll policies. This role supports the Fiscal Management division within DEED and offers telework eligibility, with day shifts and standard weekday hours.

Ideal candidates will have at least one year of payroll experience, strong Excel skills, and a track record of improving internal controls.

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 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) with emphasis on spreadsheets and formulas.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll reporting

Coaching/mentoring

Process improvement

Microsoft Office

Time management

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SEMA4

Job description

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED’s mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

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

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.

Job Summary

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 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

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.
• 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.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.