Payroll Specialist I

State of Vermont
life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement
United States, Vermont, Montpelier
120 State Street (Show on map)
Oct 21, 2025
Overview The VTHR Operations Division of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) is in search of a Payroll Specialist to join their team. The Payroll Specialist I is responsible for supporting payroll processing activities to ensure accurate and timely compensation for employees. This role involves data entry, maintaining payroll records, assisting with timekeeping adjustments, and responding to employees' questions surrounding pay and benefits, and validation of employees' payroll tax withholding or direct deposit changes. The position will provide back up and support for the financial portion of payroll payments, journal entries and reporting as well as supporting to the Payroll Production Lead as required. The Specialist works under the team lead or supervisor and follows established procedures to support the payroll team bi-weekly processing of State of Vermont Payroll. The ideal candidate would have working knowledge of payroll and tax withholding, be a team player with a desire to work collaboratively in a small team setting to meet on-going deadlines, be willing to do routine data entry tasks, carry out mathematical calculations, have good problem-solving skills, and initiative to research and assist with documentation of state or federal rules and regulations as they pertain to payroll. This position requires a high attention to detail, and the ability to meet our on-going deadlines and challenges. The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Office and creating excel formulas, be competent with outlook and teams, and have basic accounting knowledge. The Specialist will be required to work independently yet have the flexibility to take direction from Supervisor or peers, interact professionally, and communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with leadership and employees and always remain confidential. Who May Apply This position, Payroll Specialist I (Job Requisition #53653), is open to all State employees and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Melissa Butryman atmelissa.butryman@vermont.gov. Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. Environmental Factors Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Some travel may be required for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis. Minimum Qualifications Two (2) years or more of college coursework in accounting, business or public administration, or related field AND two (2) or more years of experience in payroll processing, tax withholding and general accounting principles, or providing administrative-level support to a business or organization. OR Four (4) years or more of professional level experience in payroll processing, tax withholding and general accounting principles, or providing administrative-level support to a business or organization. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree Working knowledge of payroll processing, tax withholding, multi-state taxation, and accounting Experience or working knowledge of the PeopleSoft HCM (Human Capital Management), Financials, or Workday payroll systems Knowledge of human resource principles and practices Proficiency in Microsoft Suite Total Compensation As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including: 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan Tuition Reimbursement Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts Low cost group life insurance Incentive-based Wellness Program Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.