Payroll & Benefits Specialist; Advanced

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are core values at DOA that guide how we build our teams, develop our leaders, and create a culture that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. We believe that when employees are respected and valued for who they are and are accountable for demonstrating that respect to others; it drives greater engagement and collaboration, ignites creativity and innovation, and fosters connection between teams and those we serve.

The Division of Personnel Management, Human Resources Region 2, is seeking to fill a Payroll & Benefits Specialist position at either the entry or advanced level. This position will be located at Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility in Chippewa Falls, WI. Region 2 provides HR services to the Department of Corrections.

This position is responsible for the preparation of complex bi-weekly payroll, fringe benefits, and leave accounting functions for approximately 200 employees at Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility. This position will be responsible for covering the payroll and benefits responsibilities at any institution throughout Wisconsin during absences or vacancies.

This position prepares and maintains reports, assists and counsels employees with wages and benefits, interprets pay and leave provisions affecting employees. This position assists the HR Directors in coordinating various HR processes including employment relations activities, maintaining HR records, and other miscellaneous duties. This position works with confidential and sensitive information including that which has an impact on the employee/employer relationship.

This position is in pay schedule and range 81-05 at the entry level and 81-04 at the Advanced level with a starting pay between $20.00/hour - $37.17/hour. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A 12-month probationary period is required.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
• To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship) at the time of application.

Region 2 will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new employees in Region 2 are subject to fingerprinting.

Minimally qualified applicants will have education, training, and/or experience:

• Working with benefits administration and/or payroll processes such as payroll processing and auditing timesheets.

• Providing technical assistance and/or consultation relating to payroll, benefits, and/or HR related functions to employees/customers.

• Creating and managing reports, spreadsheets, memos, etc. to be used in a professional setting

In addition to the above and to be considered at the Advanced level, well qualified applicants will have:

• Education, training, and/or experience working with payroll and benefits information systems such as PeopleSoft, Kronos, QuickBooks, and ADP.

• Experience training/orientating employees to payroll, benefits, and/or HR topics.

• Experience working with the State of Wisconsin payroll and benefits processes, policies, and procedures.

• Experience providing customer service and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders at various levels of an organization.

To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Applicants should attach a letter of qualification and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the qualifications mentioned above. It is not necessary to include references at this time. Your letter of qualification and resume will be evaluated and is considered the assessment for this position. Your letter of qualification and resume should be limited to a maximum of two pages each.

Your submission will be evaluated by one or more job experts. The most eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. For extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume and letter of qualification, if interested please click here.

Questions can be directed to Phia Vang, Human Resources Specialist at Phia.Vang@wisconsin.gov.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability should send their cover letter, resume, DD-214, and documentation of their service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the HR Specialist: Phia.Vang@wisconsin.gov. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Online applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on November 4th, 2026.

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