Payroll Specialist 1 (04811)

Job Description - Payroll Specialist 1 (04811) (26142024)

Position Title:

Payroll Specialist 1 (04811) - (26142024)

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Business and Financial Services / Payroll Division.

The Payroll Specialist 1 position is responsible for providing accurate and concise information to employees, supervisors, other payroll staff, and human resources staff to process, track, and implement payroll related information. Interprets and applies specific terms and conditions of various pay and benefit plans. One of three payroll specialists who process payroll for over 2200 employees in addition to providing guidance and support to additional facility payroll staff and their 800 employees. Regularly responds to inquiries such as union affiliation, bargaining agreements, W-2 and paycheck questions, benefit information, policies, and procedures for DPHHS and the State, Federal laws, as well as a wide variety of other issues that arise during the new hire phase, bi-weekly payroll cycle, employment status changes that relate to pay and departmental and statewide policy and procedural changes. Presents training and informational sessions related to payroll processes and SABHRS Employee & Manager Self Service. Reports directly to the Payroll Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana''s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge of payroll/benefit plans, processes and procedures, including special tax situations.

• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping practices, including reconciliation, balancing, and auditing.

• Ability to be conscientious, double-check and monitor work, and self-evaluate in identifying and resolving technical errors and discrepancies.

• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality with employee information.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

• Associate''s Degree in Business, Accounting/Payroll/Bookings, Education, or related field, Bachelor's Degree preferred.

• Two years of experience working with payroll, benefits, interpreting policies, and accounting/payroll computer bases systems or related.

• Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Preferred: Experience with the State of Montana SABHRS Accounting and Human Resources (SABHRS) system and State payroll processes.

• Preferred: Experience with UKG timeclocks and timekeeping system.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

31.05 - 31.05 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Aug 10, 2026, 10:49:15 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Aug 31, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name: Erin Sampson | Contact Email: Erin.Sampson@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-3136 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.