Payroll & Benefits Specialist (Entry or 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.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

The Bureau of Human Resources, Region 2 is currently recruiting to fill a The Bureau of Human Resources, Region 2 is currently recruiting to fill a Payroll & Benefits Specialist vacancy at either the entry or Advanced level. This position will be located at the Department of Corrections, Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility in Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County).

This position is responsible for the preparation of complex bi-weekly payroll, fringe benefits and leave accounting functions for approximately 350 employees.

This position prepares and maintains reports, assists and counsels employees with wages and benefits, interprets pay and leave provisions affecting non-represented, represented and LTE employees.

This requires extensive teamwork and communication with other Human Resource staff, supervisors, employees, and Central Payroll staff. This position works closely with employees and has access to confidential information affecting the employer/employee relationship.

The starting pay is between $24.00 and $27.85 per hour for the entry level and between $27.00 and $33.00 for the Advanced level, plus excellent benefits. Pay upon appointment may vary and will be in accordance with language in the Compensation Plan, Statutes, and Administrative Code. The pay schedule/range is 81-05 for the entry level and 81-04 for the Advanced level. 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.

This position offers an optional hybrid remote work schedule, allowing potentially up to 1 day remote per week (after training is complete) based on work needs.

Any remote work must be performed from Wisconsin.

This position is FLSA Non-Exempt.

Anticipated schedule will be Monday – Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM.

This position is not anticipated to travel on a regular basis, but most DOC positions occasionally travel for training, meetings, conferences, or similar events.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, 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 to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

• 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

• 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.

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. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Athena Foster, Human Resources Specialist - Senior at athena.foster@wisconsin.gov .

Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday April 29th, 2026.

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