ASSOCIATE I - PAYROLL

The Associate I Payroll position assists in daily MPS payroll operations and administers, including off-cycle payroll processing. Develops and facilitates payroll and timekeeping training for internal and external end-users. Processes complex pay situations and contributes to the development of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Serves as the backup to the Payroll Analyst I.

Wage: $60,019 - $86,156 (12-month position)

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through Sunday, October 19, 2025.

To be considered as a candidate, a current, updated resume MUST be attached to the completed application. Additionally, ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required bachelor's or associate's degree (unofficial transcripts can be submitted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

• If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify Cassandra in human resources at morac2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us that you are sending hard copies. Caution: when attaching documents to the application, be sure the documents are legible. If the documents cannot be read, your application may be disqualified from consideration.

If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be contacted, via email, to submit three electronic professional references. Identified references will receive an online reference check to complete.

No applications or application materials will be accepted after the deadline date.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Morales-Salcedo at morac2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or 414-777-7879.

Core Competencies:

• Decision Quality & Problem-Solving
• Communication and Customer Service
• Professionalism
• Equity, access and inclusion

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong presentation and training skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to diverse, non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of process documentation and experience in creating procedural guides or training materials.
• Great customer service skills are required.
• Excellent analytical and written communication skills are necessary.
• Demonstrated appreciation for people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities and commitment to treat all colleagues and employees with dignity and respect.
• The ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse individuals at all levels is required.
• A strong working knowledge of computer applications to include MS Office software, Office 365, PeopleSoft, MPS databases, and the MPS website is required.
• Must be able to juggle numerous responsibilities with varying deadlines.

Working Environment:

• Typical office or school environment
• Position may be required to work additional hours, outside of the normal business day as a regular part of the job.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education Requirements:

• A bachelors degree in business, accounting, finance or related field OR an associates degree in a related field with four years of related work experience.

Experience Requirements:

• Two years of previous experience working in a high-volume payroll environment.
• PeopleSoft experience is desired.

A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Assists the Payroll Supervisor II in managing office operations, including delegation of workload to the Payroll Assistant I and II staff.
• Administers off-cycle payroll processing, including the correction of system-generated errors in wages, taxes, and deductions, and coordinating with other departments to ensure accuracy.
• Develops and facilitates payroll and timekeeping training for external district end-users, including school-based and central office staff, ensuring they are proficient in using the Time & Labor and Absence Management systems. Helps train and onboard payroll staff.
• Researches and resolves complex employee payment issues, including those related to tax withholdings, workers compensation conversions, and injury pay.
• In collaboration with payroll leadership, assists in the creation and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process maps to standardize workflows. Helps identify and draft content for the Payroll Guidelines and the Payroll Services web page.
• Enforces payroll policies by performing payroll-related audits and reviewing system reports to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Provides payroll processing support, including calculating hours, inputting data, maintaining records, and responding to inquiries regarding MPS payroll policies and procedures.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of departmental knowledge by documenting, updating, and refining work instructions, job aids, and checklists for assigned duties.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.