Payroll Lead

DESCRIPTION:

We are pleased to announce that the Finance division within the State Court Administrator’s Office is looking for an experienced Payroll Lead. This position is responsible for providing work direction to accounting staff that perform payroll duties for the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This position will be responsible for entering and verifying payroll transactions, monitoring payroll reports, auditing business expenses, and performing other financial duties. As the Payroll Supervisor, this position is responsible for Branch wide communication, proofing payroll calculations, and ensuring all biweekly deadlines are met.

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform.

• Provides work direction to accounting staff that perform payroll duties for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Trial Courts, and various Boards. Work with staff to provide day-to-day direction, resolve complex issues, support staff, and identify opportunities to improve processes.
• Coordinates the payroll process, using the state payroll system, SEMA4. Oversight of payroll related transactions. Ensure all deadlines are met on a biweekly basis.
• Provides professional-level accounting expertise; duties include responsibility for developing and maintaining payroll related information system, analyzing and interpreting data to resolve issues and providing recommendations. Serves as a resource for interpreting and applying finance policies, procedures, and requirements. Prepares salary calculations based on statute. Ensures exceptional accuracy, compliance, customer service, and timeliness in the resolution of finance payroll matters.
• Represents the Courts on work teams and statewide committees that meet to discuss and resolve payroll processing and reporting issues. Responsible for statewide payroll communication. Leads monthly payroll meetings and serves as the liaison between MN Management and Budget Payroll Service and the MN Judicial Branch.
• Assists with the development, review, revision, and implementation of payroll policies and procedures by evaluating current processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and making recommendations that promote fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or related field.
• May substitute an associate’s degree in accounting or related field, plus considerable public sector payroll or accounting experience with automated systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional level experience in accounting or finance in public sector with automated systems, including some experience providing supervision to others.
• Experience with Minnesota's statewide payroll system, SEMA4 and accounting system, SWIFT.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of payroll procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of accounting and payroll-related computerized accounting programs.
• Ability to accurately enter transactions and data into state database systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with Judicial Branch employees and judges.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to details.
• Capacity to think critically and solve problems.

SALARY RANGE: The expected starting salary range is $29.42 - $37.55 per hour ($61,429 - $78,404 annually). The full salary range for this position is $29.42 - $45.67 per hour ($61,429 - $95,359 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Position Logistics:

This position is classified as an Accountant I and will work normal business hours, Monday-Friday. This work will be conducted in a hybrid environment and will be in-person at the Minnesota Judicial Center, in St. Paul, Minnesota a minimum of three times a month and additionally based on business need.

TO APPLY: Complete and submit your online application with resume, cover letter, and list of professional references, by October 18th, 2026, at 11:59pm. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.