Payroll Specialist 1

Munro Footwear Group; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Partial Telework

Job summary

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking a Payroll Specialist 1 to process payroll for over 2,200 employees, interpret pay plans, and support state payroll activities. You will present trainings on SABHRS and advise human resources staff, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.

The role reports to the Payroll Supervisor and involves occasional telework within Montana, with benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid leave and holidays.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll/benefit plans, processes and procedures, including special tax situations.
• Basic bookkeeping, reconciliation, balancing and auditing.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Two years of payroll/benefits experience; relevant education may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for 2,200+ employees and provide guidance to staff.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and explain policies and procedures.
• Train staff on payroll processes and SABHRS Employee & Manager Self Service.

Skills

Payroll processing

Confidentiality

Communication

Attention to detail

Training delivery

Education

Associate's Degree in Business/Accounting

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

SABHRS

UKG timekeeping

Job description

Position Title:

Payroll Specialist 1 (04811) - ( 26142024 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov .

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Business and Financial Services / Payroll Division.

The Payroll Specialist 1 position is responsible for providing accurate and concise information to employees, supervisors, other payroll staff, and human resources staff to process, track, and implement payroll related information. Interprets and applies specific terms and conditions of various pay and benefit plans. One of three payroll specialists who process payroll for over 2200 employees in addition to providing guidance and support to additional facility payroll staff and their 800 employees. Regularly responds to inquiries such as union affiliation, bargaining agreements, W-2 and paycheck questions, benefit information, policies, and procedures for DPHHS and the State, Federal laws, as well as a wide variety of other issues that arise during the new hire phase, bi-weekly payroll cycle, employment status changes that relate to pay and departmental and statewide policy and procedural changes. Presents training and informational sessions related to payroll processes and SABHRS Employee & Manager Self Service. Reports directly to the Payroll Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge of payroll/benefit plans, processes and procedures, including special tax situations.


• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping practices, including reconciliation, balancing, and auditing.


• Ability to be conscientious, double-check and monitor work, and self-evaluate in identifying and resolving technical errors and discrepancies.


• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality with employee information.


• Associate's Degree in Business, Accounting/Payroll/Bookings, Education, or related field, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.


• Two years of experience working with payroll, benefits, interpreting policies, and accounting/payroll computer bases systems or related.


• Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.


• Preferred: Experience with the State of Montana SABHRS Accounting and Human Resources (SABHRS) system and State payroll processes.


• Preferred: Experience with UKG timeclocks and timekeeping system.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial teleworkwithin the state of Montana.Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary

Salary: $31.05 - 31.05 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status : Regular

Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Aug 10, 2026, 5:19:15 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

Aug 31, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name : Erin Sampson | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone]

DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.