Experienced Human Resources and Payroll professional known for leading the design and execution of initiatives. Skilled in overseeing daily workflow, payroll processing, benefits integration, and time and attendance compliance projects. Proficient in developing strategies, implementing programs, processes, systems, and technology to drive organizational development, effectiveness, and profitability. Results-oriented payroll expert with a strong background in managing operations, ensuring compliance, and improving accuracy and efficiency. Recognized for fostering a collaborative team environment through effective communication and leadership skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Payroll Supervisor/Accountant
St. Peter Public Schools #508
12.2021 - Current
Supervised payroll processing for over 500 employees, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of wages.
Implemented payroll software updates, enhancing efficiency and compliance with state regulations.
Served as primary point of contact for all interdepartmental inquiries regarding payroll policies and procedures, enhancing communication between teams.
Maintained strict confidentiality of all payroll information and records.
Assisted employees with resolving any payroll-related issues or concerns in a timely manner, maintaining positive relationships within the organization.
Effectively managed year-end tasks such as W-2 processing and distribution, avoiding delays and errors in reporting employee earnings to taxing authorities.
Maintained employee confidence by keeping all payroll information strictly confidential while addressing concerns professionally.
Ensured compliance with federal and state labor laws by staying up-to-date on regulations and adjusting payroll procedures accordingly.
Led the transition from manual timesheet entries to an automated timekeeping system, significantly reducing instances of human error in attendance tracking.
Resolved payroll discrepancies quickly and successfully.
Uploaded time records into computer system and made adjustments to create accurate database for payroll processing functions.
Provided customer service to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.
Researched payroll errors and processed payments for federal and state taxes, social security, Medicare and various employee deductions, annuity contributions, and retirement plan withholdings.
Coordinated with accounting department for accurate general ledger postings related to payroll transactions, promoting financial accuracy across departments.
Calculated employee benefits and ensured proper deductions were made from employee paychecks.
Documented and processed all garnishments for bankruptcies, student loans, and child support orders.
Performed calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
HR/Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Region V Computer Services
04.2011 - 12.2021
Work to improve overall system utilization by promoting improvement opportunities and deployment of new solutions. Oversee benefits and payroll administration, the administrative aspects of the onboarding process for new employees, and assist with human resource compliance projects. Deliver leave management support and reconciliations related to employee status, vendor claims management, and employee communications. Audit data periodically for issues such as duplicate/incorrect SSNs, status change updates/corrections, enrollment, and payroll matters.
Collaborate with school districts in the set-up of benefit paid time off according to union agreement contract language and calculates and processes retro pay when union contracts have been settled.
Committee member responsible for working with Programmers in the development of two different HR related modules for the existing HRIS software.
Support and maintain the SMART HR system and processes as a technical point-of-contact for functional users and assist subject matter experts with ensuring application administration, utilization, data integrity, testing of system changes, and data outflows.
Bookkeeper
Summers Ridge Veterinary Clinic
08.2016 - 04.2021
Responsible for posting all payments, processing, and reconciling daily account receivables utilizing QuickBooks, and monitoring and following up on bad debt to include preparation of late notices. Process bi-weekly payroll and develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
Self-trained on two new software systems to perform the role successfully without external training or assistance.
Play a key role in the optimization of cash flow and financial position by managing all phases of the operations, including personnel, administration, and risk management.
Human Resources/Payroll/District Secretary/Accountable Payable
Janesville – Waldorf – Pemberton Public Schools
03.2009 - 04.2011
Administered employee insurance programs including life, disability, and health insurance plans, employee savings plans that included the 401(k) plan, personal savings plans, and deferred compensation programs for union contracts. Facilitated accurate and the timely delivery of employer contributions and employee payroll deductions to carriers, plan administrators, or other appropriate service providers. Completed records, reporting, and other documentation required by Federal, State, and provider rules, regulations, and policies. Maintained ongoing knowledge of trends, developments, and best practices in compensation and benefits administration.
Led the payroll strategy and operations, ensuring that they resulted in timely, accurate, and compliant execution of payrolls, filings, reports, and audits.
Delivered guidance to establishing, evaluating, updating, and scaling processes and controls in conjunction with regulatory, business, and system updates.
Established a fail-proof system of controls, guardrails, and reporting to ensure that all payroll and benefit processes and integrations were accurate and compliant.
Prepared all monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports for TRA, PERA, unemployment, Federal and State withholding as required by the local, State and Federal governments.
Recognized as the District MARSS and STAR Coordinator.
Delivered ongoing technical, administrative, and support to the Administration and staff of the school system.
Education
Associate of Applied Science -
South Central Technical College
North Mankato, MN
Skills
SMART HR / SMART Finance
Payroll administration
Payroll compliance auditing
Employee benefits administration
Service excellence
Effective problem resolution
Detail-oriented approach
Effective multitasking
Timekeeping systems
Microsoft Office Suite
SQL
Certification
SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resources Management (2021)
Additional Experience
Executive Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer / VP of Human Resources | Taylor Corporation | North Mankato, MN
Payroll Specialist | Taylor Corporation | North Mankato, MN
Executive Assistant to the CEO & Financial Officer | Snell Motors | Mankato, MN
Office Coordinator | YMCA | Mankato, MN
Timeline
Payroll Supervisor/Accountant
St. Peter Public Schools #508
12.2021 - Current
Bookkeeper
Summers Ridge Veterinary Clinic
08.2016 - 04.2021
HR/Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Region V Computer Services
04.2011 - 12.2021
Human Resources/Payroll/District Secretary/Accountable Payable