Human Resources Coordinator - Payroll

Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD), a statewide organization with approximately 700 employees working in offices across Missouri, is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This position supports accurate and timely payroll and personnel processes for employees throughout the state.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the department's semi-monthly payroll processing, responding to employee questions regarding pay and leave, maintaining personnel records, tracking payroll expenditures, preparing reports and spreadsheets, and performing other HR-related duties as assigned.

The position utilizes internal MSPD and State of Missouri systems, including SAM II, to support payroll and personnel functions. Payroll experience and knowledge of SAM II are beneficial. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication, planning, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality. Strong communication and collaboration with managers across the state are also essential to ensuring accurate and timely payroll and personnel processes.

Payroll and Personnel Administration

• Process the department’s semi-monthly payroll for employees working across MSPD’s statewide offices using internal MSPD and State of Missouri systems, including SAM II.
• Review payroll information and communicate with managers to obtain, clarify, and verify payroll and personnel information and resolve related questions or discrepancies.
• Process new hires, separations, and other personnel transactions in applicable systems while maintaining accurate and confidential personnel, payroll, and leave records.
• Process and audit employee timesheets to ensure accuracy and compliance with agency and state policies.
• Adapt to system changes, including the State’s transition from SAM II to MOVERS.
  
  

Leave And Benefits Administration

• Track and maintain FMLA and other protected leave usage, communicating with employees and managers as needed.
• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, leave balances, benefit enrollments, and related issues.
• Assist employees by providing guidance on benefit-related inquiries and directing them to appropriate resources.
• Process and audit employee timesheets to ensure accuracy and compliance with agency and state policies.
• Adapt to system changes, including the State’s transition from SAM II to MOVERS.
  
  

HR Reporting and Analysis

• Manage payroll information and spreadsheets, and prepare related reports.
• Apply analytical skills to payroll and HR-related functions.
• Assist employees by providing guidance on benefit-related inquiries and directing them to appropriate resources.
• Perform other HR-related duties and projects as assigned.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business or a closely related field. Relevant professional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, preferably in Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience in payroll, banking, accounting, accounts payable, balancing accounts, or similar work is preferred.
• Knowledge of SAM II HR and/or SAM II Financial is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with managers, employees, and HR colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems, technology, and processes.
  
  

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

This is a full-time position based in Columbia. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at Here . Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found Here .

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov