Payroll Associate

Hopkins Public Schools

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

Position Summary

The Payroll Associate provides accurate, timely, and compliant payroll administration while delivering exceptional customer service to employees, supervisors, and administrators. This position processes payroll transactions, maintains employee payroll records, supports payroll-related human resources functions, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, District policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The Payroll Associate contributes to Hopkins Public Schools' Vision 2031 by promoting operational excellence, continuous improvement, and collaborative service while supporting the District's transition to and ongoing use of the Skyward Qmlativ Human Capital Management system.

Essential Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration
• Processes semi-monthly payroll, including payroll preparation, reconciliation, payroll register review, paycheck production, ACH/direct deposit transmission, and adjustment payrolls.
• Processes and maintains employee payroll records throughout the employment lifecycle, including new hires, compensation changes, transfers, leaves of absence, and separations.
• Interprets employment contracts, salary schedules, collective bargaining agreements, and personnel actions to establish and maintain employee compensation, pay rates, earnings codes, deductions, and payroll records.
• Coordinates payroll onboarding by providing required payroll documents, establishing payroll records, and distributing Employee Access information to employees.
• Maintains payroll calendars, processing schedules, supporting documentation, and payroll records.
• Timekeeping & Payroll Data Management
• Reviews, audits, and processes employee time and attendance records; verifies hours worked, pay rates, leave balances, and payroll calculations; and resolves discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Independently audits assigned work to ensure payroll accuracy, completeness, and compliance before payroll is finalized.
• Compliance & Regulatory Reporting
• Ensures payroll activities comply with applicable federal and state laws, District policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Completes required payroll reporting, including State of Minnesota new hire reporting, W-2 processing, Affordable Care Act reporting, TRA and PERA reporting, garnishments, child support, tax levies, union dues, and other required payroll deductions.
• Compiles, prepares, and distributes payroll reports and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Human Resources Information Systems
• Maintains accurate payroll information within the District's Human Resources Information System.
• Supports the implementation, testing, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Skyward Qmlativ Human Capital Management system through data validation, system testing, documentation, and process improvement.
• Customer Service
• Provides exceptional customer service by responding accurately and professionally to payroll and human resources inquiries, explaining payroll procedures, and resolving payroll concerns within the scope of assigned authority.
• Maintains the confidentiality and integrity of employee information while exercising sound judgment and personal accountability.
• Demonstrates the District's Core Values and supports Vision 2031 through professional, collaborative, and people-centered service.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Two (2) years of progressively responsible payroll, human resources, accounting, finance, or HRIS experience preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge Payroll administration principles and practices. Federal and state payroll laws and regulations. Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Human Resources Information Systems and payroll software. Customer service principles and practices. Records management and data privacy requirements. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and business mathematics.

Required Skills & Abilities Payroll administration principles and practices. Federal and state payroll laws and regulations. Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Human Resources Information Systems and payroll software. Customer service principles and practices. Records management and data privacy requirements. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and business mathematics.

Physical Requirements Ability to perform work in an office environment, including prolonged sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment, occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds, and the ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone.

Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with frequent interaction with employees, administrators, and members of the public.

Compensation and Schedule: 1.0 FTE - 261 Days Range: $25.38 - $36.59