Working Title: Staff Payroll Manager (Accounting Manager)
Job Class: Accounting Manager
Agency: Corrections Dept
- Job ID: 92875
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes - up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 03/16/2026
- Closing Date: 04/06/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Corrections Dept / Corrections-CO-CS-Managerial
- Division/Unit: Minn Corr Facl - Accounting Manager
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $39.36 - $56.94 / hourly; $82,183 - $118,890 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position exists to direct and manage the agency’s staff payroll and payroll-accounting financial operations so that employees are paid accurately and on schedule, payroll financial records and internal controls are maintained, and payroll-related fiscal risks and cost impacts are actively managed in compliance with applicable requirements and statewide policy. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Directs and manages agency payroll operations and service delivery so that pay is issued accurately and on schedule, exceptions are resolved timely, and payroll services meet operational and compliance requirements.
- Manages payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls so that payroll expenditures and liabilities are accurately recorded, reconciled, safeguarded, and auditable.
- Leads payroll-related financial planning, forecasting, and decision support so that agency leadership has accurate payroll cost projections, fiscal impact analysis, and payroll cost controls that support budget and program decisions.
- Develops and implements payroll financial policies, procedures, and systems/process improvements so that payroll operations remain compliant, efficient, and aligned with statewide and agency requirements.
- Provides managerial leadership and supervision for the payroll unit so that staff perform assigned duties effectively, unit performance aligns with agency objectives, and payroll services sustain a high level of professional and ethical practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location
and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four (4) years of accounting experience directing and managing payroll operations. A Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; and an Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.
- Demonstrated leadership experience which may include:
- Supervisor, team lead, leadwork, or project lead;
- Completion of a State leadership development program, such Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)
- Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership programs through another organization; or
- A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) which included 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions and 100+ hours per year time commitment.
- Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft, ADP), spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel), and database software like Oracle SQL Developer or Microsoft Access.
- Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and practices sufficient to apply governmental accounting and auditing concepts to payroll expenditures, liabilities, and controls.
- High attention to detail with demonstrated accuracy in financial and reporting tasks sufficient to manage multiple payroll deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong and versatile communication skills sufficient to write clearly (policies, procedures, financial narratives, audit responses, etc.) and to speak effectively on executive briefings, manager coaching, stakeholder negotiations, etc.
- Human relation skills to sustain working relationships with managers, employees, and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex fiscal records and reports, recognize trends and anomalies, identify problems quickly, and implement durable solutions that strengthen both accuracy and control performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of the State of MN appropriation/budgeting/accounting environment as it relates to payroll cost accounting, funding controls, and financial reporting.
- Managerial or supervisory accounting experience in a unionized environment.
- Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding statutes, rules, regulations, GASB pronouncements, etc., to determine how they apply to the state's business practices.
- Knowledge of state and federal tax and labor laws affecting an employer's payroll administration.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of statutes, policies and procedures pertaining to payroll, union contracts, deductions, direct deposits, labor distribution and leave accounting processes.
- Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field.
- Experience working in the SWIFT system and/or the payroll component of the SEMA4 system.
- Demonstrated success leading complex payroll projects or systems initiatives.
Physical Requirements
The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position. For a copy of the PDA, please email Cathy Bisser at cathy.j.bisser@state.mn.us
Additional Requirements
The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy.
Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.
New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) does not participate in E-Verify. The DOC will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Cathy Bisser at cathy.j.bisser@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cathy Bisser at cathy.j.bisser@state.mn.us.
About Corrections Dept
Go from a job to a meaningful career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections where we work to transform lives for a safer Minnesota! We hold people responsible for the offenses they commit while giving them the tools they need to succeed as they transition back to our communities. These people may be incarcerated in our correctional facilities or be under our supervision in the community. No matter a person’s custody status, our mindset is the same: a person’s path to rejoining the community starts on the day they begin serving their sentence. Become part of this mindset by joining our team! With the DOC you will find many promotional opportunities, great State of Minnesota benefits, competitive pay, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
