Payroll & Timekeeping Specialist

Owatonna School District 761; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

PERA pension

403(b) matching

Job summary

Owatonna School District 761 is seeking a Payroll & Timekeeping Specialist to administer the district's electronic timekeeping and payroll systems, ensure time records accuracy, support payroll processing, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.

This role collaborates with the Business Office, Human Resources, and administrative staff to ensure timely payroll processing, monitor timesheets, and manage payroll data integrity, COBRA, and tax deposits.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in payroll processing, payroll administration, or electronic timekeeping systems.
• Proficiency with computerized payroll and timekeeping software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with district-level payroll or public sector payroll preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer the District's electronic timekeeping system and maintain employee records.
• Create and maintain employee schedules, positions, and timekeeping data.
• Monitor timesheets for punches, absences, conflicts, and discrepancies.
• Review time records for overtime accuracy and payroll processing.
• Prepare data for import into the payroll system and process adjustments.
• Coordinate payroll-related communications with staff and supervisors.
• Close payroll periods and ensure timely payroll processing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Excel proficiency

Attendance

Payroll software experience

Public sector payroll knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Business/Human Resources

Tools

SMART Finance

TimeClock Plus (TCP)

SmartFind Express (SFE)

Laserfiche

Job description

Payroll & Timekeeping Specialist

Owatonna School District 761 District Office - Owatonna, Minnesota Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Owatonna School District 761

Job Details

Job ID: 5942542

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 28, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Payroll & Timekeeping Specialist is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the District's electronic timekeeping and payroll systems. This position ensures the accuracy of employee time records, supports payroll processing, maintains employee timekeeping data, and assists with payroll compliance and reporting. The Payroll & Timekeeping Specialist works collaboratively within the Business Office and with Human Resources, department secretaries and supervisors, and administrative staff to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and District regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer the District's electronic timekeeping system, including new employee setup and maintenance of employee records.
• Create and maintain employee schedules, position assignments, tier movements, and other timekeeping records within the timekeeping system.
• Build and maintain electronic timesheet roles and position structures.
• Configure and maintain holiday schedules within the timekeeping system.
• Monitor employee timesheets daily and weekly for missed punches, scheduling conflicts, absences, work overlaps, and other discrepancies.
• Review employee time records to ensure overtime is accurately identified and calculated for payroll processing.
• Communicate with employees, department secretaries, supervisors, and administrators regarding timesheet corrections and payroll-related issues.
• Close work weeks and lock payroll periods in accordance with established payroll processing schedules.
• Prepare electronic timesheet data for import into the payroll system.
• Enter manual payroll adjustments and payroll vouchers for payroll processing.
• Prepare internal substitute payroll import files.
• Review and prepare employee absence data for import into the payroll leave management module.
• Assist in researching and resolving payroll discrepancies and employee payroll inquiries.
• Process employee terminations within payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Assist with COBRA administration, including maintaining databases and preparing invoices.
• Prepare and transmit bi-monthly payroll tax deposits.
• Scan and maintain employee payroll records within the District's electronic document management system.
• Prepare required Wage Theft Law statements and other payroll compliance documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personnel information.
• Assist with payroll projects, audits, and other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or equal combination of education and experience.
• Experience in payroll processing, payroll administration, or electronic timekeeping systems.
• Proficiency with computerized payroll and timekeeping software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Consistent and reliable attendance
• Experience with SMART Finance, TimeClock Plus (TCP), SmartFind Express (SFE), Laserfiche, or similar payroll and timekeeping software - Preferred.
• Experience working in a public school district or governmental organization - Preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll tax reporting and payroll compliance requirements - Preferred.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and overtime regulations - Preferred.

Schedule:

7:30 AM - 4 PM // 52 weeks

Rate of Pay:

Clerical B-2-3 // $22.91 - $27.44/hour

Benefits offered for this position are as listed:

Health Insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (single and family)

Dental Insurance (Single and Family)

$70,000 Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) pension

403(B) Matching Annuity Plan - up to $800/year match

Personal leave

Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)/sick leave

ISD761 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $22.91 to $27.44 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Organization-level Positions > Specialist

Job Requirements

• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Mark Stotts , Director of Finance and Operations
• District Office
• Email: [e-mail]