Payroll Specialist

Description:    
8 hrs./day, 12-month calendar 
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Effective Date of Employment: 
July 13, 2026
Application Deadline:
June 22, 2026 � 4:00 p.m.
Application Procedures:
Internal and External Candidates:  Apply on-line at www.district196.org

Essential Job Function and Definition

The Payroll Specialist II position performs difficult and complex payroll and accounting work requiring independent judgment and a deeper knowledge of payroll and financial procedures. This position requires a higher level of analytical skills to be able to develop courses of action consistent with all regulations, policies and procedures at different levels (Department, District, State and Federal). This position also requires extensive knowledge of the corresponding contract and working agreements to ensure payroll is accurate and completed within the established rules and deadlines.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Processing

• Analyze and process payroll for a specific group including a variety of adjustments, correct application of contract language and retroactive pay
• Analyze and process all personnel change notices and other payroll updates such as new pay rates, new steps, new assignments and other maintenance updates
• Implement the payroll and benefit provisions of the working agreements as directed by the supervisor and maintain an accurate database of pay information
• Maintain accurate paper and electronic payroll records including current and up to date pay records
• Process paid and unpaid time off requests
• Complete all work within firm deadlines

 
Audit

• Record and maintain all pay codes to include: gross wages, taxes, voluntary and involuntary deductions
• Reconcile all payroll accounts on a monthly basis between the payroll and finance systems
• Assist with the preparation of payroll related work papers

 
Reports and Analysis

• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees, supervisors, and other administrators
• Work with Human Resources to audit employee pay related information to verify accurate and consistent records
• Assist with the analysis of account code transfers
• Create and maintain a desk manual for assigned functions

Qualifications Required

 
Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3 - 5 years of payroll/bookkeeping experience; school district experience preferred
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred

 
Technical Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use and design of spreadsheets and databases,

Microsoft Excel, Word and Access

• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use of automated and integrated Payroll, Human Resources and Absence Management systems
• Principles, practices and terminology used in payroll and financial recordkeeping and reporting
• Up to date knowledge of laws, rules and regulations applicable to school districts and accounting practices
• Detail oriented
• Analytical abilities to test for reasonableness of data and accuracy in calculations
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment, including computers, faxes, copier and 10-key

Interpersonal Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and efficient in high pressure circumstances
• Strong organization, creative thought, initiative and systems thinking
• Strong team and customer service orientation
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information with the understanding of what information can be disclosed to whom, when, where, why and how
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy with all levels of employees in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Responsible To:
Supervisor of Payroll Information Systems
Compensation / Benefits: 
RAVE Clerical Association � Wage Group I :  $25.99 - $29.17 Hourly  - According to contractual agreement (based on 2026-27 contract)
If benefit eligible, benefits are available to new employees effective the first day of active employment.  Benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long term disability insurance, sick-leave, state pension plan, tax-deferred retirement savings account, and flexible spending account.  Some employee groups also receive vacation, holidays or personal leave.  Benefit information is available at Employee Benefits - Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196
Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of Educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement and belonging for all students, and inspires a love of learning for all ages. Our vision is to provide the experiences that our students, families and employees desire by developing the whole student and honoring diverse needs and cultures; engaging students with opportunities in academics, arts and athletics (Triple A philosophy), and living our mission to prepare students for lifelong success.
District 196 is a Minnesota public school district of choice, serving more than 29,000 students and 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville, and Vermillion Township. District 196 is the third largest school district in Minnesota and among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 full- and part-time employees. District 196 has been named to Forbes' list of America's Best-in-State Employers multiple times based on a survey asking employees to rate their employers and how likely they would be to recommend them to others.
District 196 has 20 elementary schools (grades K-5); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center high school program; a K-12 special education school, and a special education program serving young adults ages 18-22. The district also operates three learning centers that provide early childhood and Adult Basic Education services, and offers extensive community education programs and classes for learners of all ages.
Equal Opportunity Employer
As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not  discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational  opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial  status,* disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity,  membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* age or genetic information.* District 196  provides equal access to designated youth groups.
The Director of Human Resources, Joel Milteer (651-423-7859 � joel.milteer@district196.org) is the designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related  inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education,  Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 � jeremy.sorenson@district196.org) and the Director of Secondary  Education, Eric Hansen (651-423-7712 � eric.hansen@district196.org) have been designated to respond  to student-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special  Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 � janet.fimmen@district196.org) has been designated to  respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all  directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the  Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
*Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.