Payroll Lead

Minnesota Lawyer

. Provide work direction to accounting staff performing payroll duties for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Trial Courts, and various Boards .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeSaint Paul • Minnesota • United StatesSenior💰 $29 - $38 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in payroll processing and accounting within the public sector, utilizing the SEMA4 payroll system and SWIFT accounting system. Capable of leading teams, improving processes, and ensuring compliance with finance policies and procedures.

Highest-signal resume keywords

SEMA4 Payroll SystemSWIFT Accounting SystemPayroll ProceduresAccounting ExpertiseProcess Improvement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingData AnalysisSalary CalculationsTransaction VerificationAutomated Accounting Systems

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsCritical ThinkingProblem-Solving AbilityInterpersonal Skills

Industry Keywords

Public Sector AccountingFinance PoliciesPayroll ComplianceFiscal AccountabilityJudicial Branch

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Swift

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide work direction to accounting staff performing payroll duties for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Trial Courts, and various Boards
Provide day-to-day direction, resolve complex issues, support staff, and identify process improvement opportunities
Coordinate the payroll process using the SEMA4 state payroll system
Oversee payroll-related transactions and ensure biweekly deadlines are met
Provide professional-level accounting expertise
Develop and maintain payroll-related information systems
Analyze and interpret data to resolve issues and provide recommendations
Interpret and apply finance policies, procedures, and requirements
Prepare salary calculations based on statute
Ensure accuracy, compliance, customer service, and timeliness in resolving payroll finance matters
Represent the Courts on work teams and statewide committees addressing payroll processing and reporting issues
Lead monthly payroll meetings and serve as liaison between MN Management and Budget Payroll Service and the Minnesota Judicial Branch
Communicate payroll information statewide
Assist with developing, reviewing, revising, and implementing payroll policies and procedures
Evaluate current processes and recommend improvements supporting fiscal accountability, efficiency, compliance, and consistency
Enter and verify payroll transactions, monitor payroll reports, audit business expenses, and perform other financial duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or related field
An associate’s degree in accounting or related field plus considerable public sector payroll or accounting experience with automated systems may substitute for the bachelor's degree
Professional-level experience in accounting or finance in the public sector with automated systems, including some experience providing supervision to others (preferred)
Experience with Minnesota's statewide payroll system, SEMA4, and accounting system, SWIFT (preferred)
Knowledge of payroll procedures and practices
Knowledge of accounting and payroll-related computerized accounting programs
Ability to accurately enter transactions and data into state database systems
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with Judicial Branch employees and judges
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail
Critical thinking and problem-solving ability
Satisfactory background check required
Ability to work normal business hours, Monday-Friday

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and wellness benefits
Enhanced fertility benefits
Short- and long-term disability
Pension
Paid parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Hybrid work environment