Payroll and Benefits Specialist

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Job ID

21060

Location

Madison

Agency

State Public Defender Board

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Classification Code

21312

Classification Title

Payroll Ben Spec-Adv

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Introduction

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your Payroll and Benefit administrative support skills to the State Public Defenders' office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Payroll and Benefits Specialist (at either the Entry or Advanced level), based in our Madison office, with the ability to work remotely part of the time after an initial in-person training period.

SPD’s mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov.

What We're Looking For: SPD is looking for a talented Payroll & Benefits professional who is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, has great attention to detail, and can juggle multiple priorities. If you have a passion for payroll and benefits and love helping people, then we want you to apply!

What We Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator.

This position is eligible for remote work, up to 3 days per week after the initial training period. To be eligible for remote work, the selected individual must have access to reliable, high-speed internet service. The remaining 2 days per week will be spent in our downtown Madison office, located just off of the Capitol Square, at 17 South Fairchild Street. Please note that while we do not have our own parking facility, there are numerous paid public parking locations nearby, as well as multiple public transit options. For workdays spent in the office, our staff enjoy a casual atmosphere.

Why work with us? At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan here.

Who We Are: SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the Wisconsin State Public Defender is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, please click here.

Where We're Located: SPD is located just off of the Capitol Square of award-winning Madison, Wisconsin, at 17 South Fairchild Street. We are within easy walking distance of many shopping and dining options, a weekly farmer's market, the State Capitol Building, and two beautiful lakes with walking & biking paths. There are numerous public transit options and multiple parking lots nearby.

Position Summary

This position performs the full range of routine comprehensive payroll and benefits related duties. Duties include, but are not limited to: Processing bi-weekly time and attendance for employees; Calculating payroll adjustments; Reconciling final reports; Interpreting and applying provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan; Conducting bi-weekly onboarding sessions for new employees; Providing consultation services and technical assistance to employees regarding fringe benefits, leave, timekeeping, and retirement; Providing training to managers on payroll & benefits topics.

To view a copy of the position descriptions, please click here and click here.

Salary Information

The starting hourly pay range for the Payroll and Benefits Specialist (Entry-Level) will be between $25.00 and $29.00 and is in pay schedule-range (81-05).

The starting hourly pay range for the Payroll and Benefits Specialist (Advanced) will be between $29.00 and $34.50 per hour and is in pay schedule-range (81-04).

Salary will depend on experience and qualifications. For current and eligible former State employees, starting wage will be set in accordance with the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan at the time of hire.

A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Job Details

A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

Qualifications

COVER LETTER & RESUME: You must submit both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your cover letter and/or resume.

Minimally Qualified Applicants For Both Levels Will Have Experience

Performing payroll and/or benefits administration tasks such as processing bi-weekly payroll, auditing/reconciling payroll transactions and adjustments, and reconciling benefits transactions.

Using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or Human Capital Management (HCM) system for payroll and/or benefits administration (e.g., Peoplesoft, Kronos, ADP, Workday, Paylocity, etc.).

Providing technical assistance, training and/or consultation services to employees related to payroll and benefits administration.

Well-qualified Applicants Will Have Experience In The Following Areas

Administering payroll and benefits within an organization with 100 or more employees.

Using PeopleSoft to process payroll and/or benefits activities.

Administering payroll and benefits within the public sector (i.e., municipal, county, state, federal or university systems).

How To Apply

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a cover letter as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.

If you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g., signing in or uploading a resume, please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or ***email_hidden*** (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).

Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact Monica Endres at (608) 261-7442 or via email at [email protected].