Payroll Specialist

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is seeking a Payroll Administrator to manage MPHA’s bi-weekly payroll processing accurately and on time. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, and act as a liaison between Human Resources, Finance, and employees.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent, two years of payroll experience, and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. On-site work in Minneapolis with benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience with payroll processing and compliance in HRIS systems.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel and Outlook) and ability to learn other software.
• Associate degree or certificate in business administration, human resources, or related field; some positions may require a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Process MPHA bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely in MPHA's HRIS system.
• Audit and analyze timecards for accuracy and policy compliance; address unapproved hours.
• Prepare payroll reports and employee tax forms (W-2s, W-4s, 1099s) and handle deductions.

Skills

Payroll processing

Education

Associate degree or certificate in business administration or HR

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

• Location 1001 WASHINGTON AVE N,MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55401-1032,United States
• Job Category Administrative
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree 2 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

Internal Close Date: November 5, 2026

Salary: $28.47 - 42.70 per hour

Note: Starting pay rates are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. New employees typically start in the lower half of range, but experts in their field may be considered for starting pay rates in the top half of the range.

Department/Location: Human Resources Dept / 1001 Washington Ave N

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the full payroll process and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of MPHA’s bi-weekly payroll, while also serving as a key link between Human Resources, Finance, and employees.

All activities must support the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s (“MPHA” or “Authority”) mission, vision, and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of MPHA’s bi-weekly payroll in MPHA’s HRIS system.
• Audits and analyzes timecards for accurate completion and compliance with MPHA’s policies, and to identifies any that are unapproved or missing hours, misuse of time/time off.Sends notices to employees and their supervisor for correction.
• Reviews and verifies hours worked, calculated wages, deductions, overtime, etc., and issues paychecks or direct deposit.
• Processes, responds to, and follows through on court-ordered deductions, such as child support, levies, and garnishments, and dues deductions from unions.
• Completes and communicates basic verification of work requests.
• Coordinates with the Human Resources Senior Coordinator-Benefits and Leaves Administrator on Leaves Administration and Workers’ Compensation Payroll processing.
  • Enters “top-off hours” for approved leave of absence.
• Process Tuition Reimbursement Program Requests
• As assigned, responds to data requests for information from law firms, other departments, and MPHA’s General Counsel relative to research, data collection, and report preparations concerning lawsuits, information requests, etc.
• Assists with compliance projects, EEO-4 Report, Pay Equity report, Annual Compliance Report, HR related surveys, etc.
• Prepares the reports used by Human Resources to verify and make payroll deductions.
• Reviews and updates payroll-related procedures and instructions.
• Maintains payroll-related data in HRIS
• As necessary, works with the HRIS representative to develop tools to enhance the ability to deploy payroll and employee timekeeping.
• Ensures payroll activities adhere to federal, state, and local tax laws, as well as company policies.
• Prepares payroll reports as requestedfor reporting,
• Addresses discrepancies such as overpayment, underpayment, or missing data and coordinates with Human Resources and Finance to resolve them.
• Monitors the Payroll Help email and responds to payroll-related inquiries.
• Processes and issues employee tax forms such asW-2s, W-4s,and 1099s.
• Works closely with Human Resources to coordinate payroll benefits& Fringedeductions, time off accruals, court-ordered deductions, and other payroll adjustments.
• Worksclosely with Human Resourcesto ensurethat any employee statuschanges (e.g., hires, terminations, raises) are accurately reflected in the payroll system.
• Notify employees of changes in payroll, such as wage theft letters, memos related topayroll processing,deductions, andearnings.
• Process quarter-end and year-end payroll processes andmaintainall records
• Collaborate with the Finance department to reconcile payroll with the general ledger account.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MPHA expects all employees to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Effective Communication: Employee is prepared, clear, concise, and organized in all facets of communication in order to fully establish understanding. Actively listens and understands the audience to adapt the message appropriately. Communicates information with appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts the success of the team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment requires a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with persons from diverse economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds, including new immigrants, limited English language proficiency clients, and clients with a variety of mental health issues and other disabilities.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Associate degree or certificate in business administration, human resources, or related field, and a minimum of two (2) years of experience directly related to payroll processing.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license. Those positions may also require the use of a personal vehicle and evidence of individual automobile insurance coverage, or the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Must pass a criminal history background check.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, reaching, and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.