Senior Payroll Specialist

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Prior Lake, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist in Prior Lake, MN to manage end-to-end payroll for Tribal Operations. You will maintain records, perform reconciliations, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws while collaborating with Finance, HRIS, Benefits, and HR partners.

You will process weekly payroll, manage deductions, stay current on regulations, and support year-end tasks such as W-2s.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Accounting, Finance, Business, 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong Excel experience.
• Experience with UKG system (UKG Pro) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for Tribal Operations team members.
• Process deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, and garnishments.
• Utilize UKG software to process and manage payroll activities.
• Stay updated on UKG releases and system enhancements.
• Review timesheet records for accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Track PTO accruals and related payouts according to SMSC policies.
• Process final pay and PTO payouts for terminations.
• Assist with year-end tasks including W-2 preparations and reconciliation.
• Collaborate with Finance on general ledger entries.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and over-payments.
• Respond to payroll questions with confidentiality and timeliness.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on life cycle changes (hires, changes).
• Process compensation adjustments and maintain confidential records.
• Support audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data analysis

Discretion & confidentiality

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

UKG system

Excel

Job description

SMSC Community Center
Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA

Description

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.

• 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.

Reflects 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
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.