Payroll Specialist

Salary: $24.70 Hourly
Location : 900 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01741
Department: Commissioner's Office
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Position Description

Position Objective:
The Payroll & Benefits Specialist provides critical support to County Payroll by performing detailed payroll processing, auditing, and reconciliation activities. This position works closely with departments' payroll staff, HR staff, and the County Auditor's Office to ensure proper time entry/reporting, pay, and benefits compliance for all County employees.

Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Perform payroll processing activities, including verifying time records, auditing entries, reviewing deductions and distributions, and preparing payroll data for review and approval.
• Coordinate with departmental payroll staff to ensure timely and accurate submission, entry, and auditing of employee timesheets and payroll data.
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, benefits deductions, leave balances, and related matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of required payroll tax reports and year-end documents such as W-2s, 1095s, and ACA forms.
• Perform routine audits of payroll and benefit records to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as County policies.
• Reconcile benefit invoices with payroll deductions to ensure accurate billing and payment.
• Prepare and maintain payroll and benefit reports as needed for internal reporting and audits.
• Support the Payroll Administrator with process improvements and special projects related to payroll and benefits.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor

• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of three (3) years of payroll experience, preferably in a government or public sector setting.
• A combination of relevant training, education and work experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Working knowledge of payroll principles, federal and state wage and hour laws, and employee benefit programs.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential position functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Overtime hours may be required to meet deadlines.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.


This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.
01


Please describe your experience with governmental account practices and the GASB.
02


Please describe your experience handling payroll processes and tax reporting procedures.
Required Question