Senior Payroll Specialist

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC); Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll for SMSC and Tribal Operations. You will maintain records, perform reconciliations, audits, and ensure compliance with evolving payroll laws.

The role collaborates with Finance, HRIS, Benefits, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Business Partners to deliver accurate payroll processing and timely inquiries resolution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting/finance or related field.
• 4+ years of payroll experience with regulatory knowledge.
• Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling payroll information.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and teamwork.
• Proficiency in MS Office; advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with HCM/UKG payroll system.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all team members.
• Process deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, and garnishments.
• Utilize UKG software to manage payroll activities efficiently.
• Stay updated on UKG releases and system enhancements.
• Review timesheets for accuracy and compliance with policy.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation with confidentiality.
• Assist with year-end processes, including W-2s and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with Finance on general ledger entries.
• Respond to payroll inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Support audits with payroll documentation and reports.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

4+ years payroll experience

Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal

Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies

Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality

Organized with high attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong Excel experience

Experience working with HCM system; UKG system experience

Tools

UKG system

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and its Tribal Operations enterprises and departments. This position will be responsible for maintaining payroll records and documentation, as well as performing reconciliation, audits, and adjustments when necessary. Also, this role is responsible for staying current on the latest payroll laws, regulations, policies, and best practices to ensure compliance.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and its Tribal Operations enterprises and departments. This position will be responsible for maintaining payroll records and documentation, as well as performing reconciliation, audits, and adjustments when necessary. Also, this role is responsible for staying current on the latest payroll laws, regulations, policies, and best practices to ensure compliance.

The Senior Payroll Specialist must work cohesively across multiple businesses and partner with Finance, HRIS, Benefits, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and HR Business Partners.

Primary Job Duties

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all Tribal Operations team members.


• Process team member deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, and garnishment.


• Utilize UKG software to process and manage payroll activities efficiently.


• Stay updated on UKG release system enhancements to execute payroll processing.


• Review and verify timesheet records for accuracy and compliance with organization practice.


• Stay current with federal, state, and local tax regulations.


• Track and calculate PTO accruals and related payouts according to SMSC policies.


• Process final pay and PTO payouts for team member terminations.


• Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 preparations and reconciliation.


• Collaborate with Finance on accurate general ledger entries.


• Investigate and resolve issues including reconciliation, over-payments, taxation, and adjustments.


• Respond to team members’ payroll questions in a timely manner and with confidentiality.


• Partner with Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partners on employment life cycle changes (e.g., new hires, terminations, base salary changes).


• Process compensation adjustments.


• Maintain confidential records, files, and internal documentation to support accurate tracking, reporting, and compliance.


• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports.


• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION

and EXPERIENCE required to meet the expectations of this job:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.


• 4+ years of payroll experience.


• Working knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance.


• Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies.


• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) Suite; strong Excel experience


• Experience working with HCM system; UKG system experience


• Strong communication(verbalandwritten)andinterpersonal


• Independent judgment and excellent customer service and follow-through


• Ability to take initiative, act proactively, and solve problems.


• Organized and high level of attention to detail with strong administrative and documentation


• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities effectively, make good decisions based on departmental priorities and processing deadlines.

Ability to interpret and apply internal policies and procedures and to communicate them accurately to others.