Payroll & Benefits Specialist; Advanced

Introduction 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 is located at the Department of Corrections' (DOC), Stanley Correctional Institution (SCI) in Stanley, WI. Region 2 provides HR services to the DOC. Position Summary This position is responsible for the preparation of complex bi-weekly payroll, fringe benefits, and leave accounting functions for approximately 300 employees located at SCI. In addition, this position may also be responsible for helping with the payroll and benefits responsibilities at any DOC Institution throughout Wisconsin. This position prepares and maintains reports, assists, and counsels employees with wages and benefits and interprets pay and leave provisions affecting employees. This position also assists the HR Directors in coordinating various HR processes including employment relations activities, maintaining HR records, and other miscellaneous duties. Salary Information 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 - $37.82/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 . Job Details 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. Qualifications Minimally qualified applicants will have education, training, and/or experience: • Performing payroll and/or benefit administration functions, including processing biweekly payroll, auditing and reconciling payroll transactions and adjustments, and reconciling benefit-related transactions • Interpreting, developing, and updating policies related to payroll and/or benefit administration • Utilizing Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) for payroll or benefit administration (e.g., PeopleSoft, Kronos, ADP) • Preparing and managing professional documents and materials, such as reports, spreadsheets, and memoranda. In addition to the above and to be considered at the Advanced level, well qualified applicants will have experience: • Using PeopleSoft to process payroll and/or benefit activities • Performing payroll and benefit functions within an organization of 200 or more employees • Working with the State of Wisconsin payroll and benefits processes, policies, and procedures. • Serving as a liaison or primary point of contact for an organization with multiple geographic locations How To Apply 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 hereQuestions 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. Deadline to Apply Online applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on May 7th, 2026.For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Commonly Asked Questions page. Some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.