Senior Payroll Specialist

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE MONDAY - FRIDAY.

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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalentexperience 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 confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) Suite; strong Excel experience preferred.
• Experience working with HCM system; UKG system experience preferred.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Independent judgment and excellent customer service and follow-through skills.
• Ability to take initiative, act proactively, and solve problems.
• Organized and high level of attention to detail with strong administrative and documentation skills.
• 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.