Payroll Specialist 1

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The payroll section is responsible for safekeeping confidential information. As a Payroll Specialist I, the successful candidate must ensure all confidential information remains safe, accurate, and only shared with authorized individuals. The successful candidate must also consistently demonstrate keen attention to detail, organizational skills, time management, and prioritization skills starting on their first day of work. The ability to explain and/or translate payroll policies, benefits, and timesheet requirements. This job requires the ability to work with customers, employees, and managers. They must have a strong aptitude for numbers. They must be able to use computers. Knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting software and Excel is especially valuable.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through completion of a vocational accounting program and two years' experience, or a high school diploma plus four years' experience in a payroll or human resource related job. Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11\:59 PM Mountain Time on October 18, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Telework (if applicable):

You must reside in Montana (or move to Montana) to accept this position. In this position you will be afforded the opportunity to telework, however there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena.  Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https\://www.e-verify.gov/

Specific Job Information:

The Operations & Financial Services Division (OFSD) is responsible for administration and coordination of accounting and payroll related matters throughout the agency. The payroll section in OFSD provides agency-wide guidance regarding payroll, vacation, sick leave/sick leave donation, holiday, and comp time benefits for more than 700 full-time employees and more than 350 seasonal employees. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is spread throughout Montana and is made up of 7 Divisions and 7 Regional Offices.

Job Overview:

This position performs and reconciles payroll. Guarantees that appropriate updates and corrections are processed properly through the system. Analyzes payroll support documents to determine compliance with State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. In addition, compliance must also be maintained with bargaining unit agreement/union contracts.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

A. Payroll Processing

• Review and process biweekly payroll to ensure all time reported is reasonable

• Maintains and updates payroll information in SABHRS. Enters and maintains employee personal and payroll data. Processes pay changes and terminations.

• Enforces the terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements and union contracts to process all pay-related changes/payments required under the collective bargaining agreements.

• Initiates and/or completes interagency transfer of funds when required.

• Correct differences through preparation of journal vouchers or prior pay period adjustments on the SABHRS HR system. Audits sick and annual leave records and ensures excess leave and compensatory time payouts are completed in compliance with policy.

• Computes final leave balances for termination payoffs and employee transfers to other agencies.

• Enter necessary adjustments such as differential pay, retroactive pay, longevity and leave accelerator adjustments, prior pay period adjustments to reported time and other miscellaneous adjustments. Process off cycle checks when required.

B. Payroll Reporting

• Create and run various system reports to research and compile appropriate payroll, budgeting, accounting, or auditing information.

• Review and verify data in reports to ensure a variety of payroll allocations and other transactions are properly recorded using computer software. Take corrective actions as needed.

C. Payroll Assistance

• Assist managers and employees by processing payroll documents such as sick leave, annual leave, or compensatory time reports.

• Research employee inquires on payroll matters.

• Prepare estimations on final pay for retirees considering different tax deferred/pre-tax options. In conjunction with the HR Manager, enforces payroll and benefit policies and procedures, auditing principles, state and federal regulations and statutes to resolve issues and problems.

• Propose new policies, procedures or processes or revisions to current policies, procedures, and processes when necessary; responsible for ensuring that payroll policies, procedures and processes are implemented and followed.

• Work as a team member with the HR Manager and other staff to formulate policies and procedures that affect the entire Agency. Initiate responses and suggestions as needed to correct or resolve issues that affect the Agency.

• As a Team member, assists in developing the Bureau’s goals and objectives as they relate to the Department’s goals and objectives. Assist department personnel in meeting their fiscal year end obligations and calendar year end obligations. Provides ongoing training and technical assistance regarding payroll and procedures and requirements.

D. MPERA Processing

• Process all adjustments required for MPERA payments or reimbursements. Works with MPERA staff to answer pay questions, correct PERS eligibility, and run audit report to ensure employees working >960 hours are enrolled in PERS.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Performs work indoors in a typical office environment with light lifting and extensive computer use. The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and operate a computer and telephone. May sit for extended periods. The incumbent may also encounter periodic stressful occurrences. This position typically works regular business hours and a standard 40-hour work week. Some travel and extra work hours may be required.