The University of WisconsinMadison Office of Human Resources is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our recently created OHR Solution Team (OST) a collaborative group dedicated to supporting and managing key HR functions within Workday.
Reporting to the Interim Director of the OHR Solutions Team the Payroll Specialist will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy efficiency and compliance of payroll processes. This position will work closely with cross-functional teams to:
Process and troubleshoot payroll transactions and corrections in Workday
Audit payroll activities and ensure adherence to university policies and deadlines
Respond to payroll inquiries with professionalism and care
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with strong communication and problem-solving skills who is committed to delivering accurate and timely payroll support to the campus community.
This position has the possibility to be converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.
Counsels new existing and terminating employees on payroll options international tax laws timelines taxes and deductions
Prepares organizes disseminates and processes payroll tax documents communications and associated materials for an institution through various mediums under general supervision
Serves as a payroll and tax subject matter expert; represents the institution contributes to and facilitates payroll workshops informational meetings and training sessions as needed
Contributes to the development implementation interpretation and revision of institutional policies and procedures in alignment with laws and regulations
Supports the review processing and resolution of payroll adjustment transactions ensuring accuracy and compliance with established policies and timelines.
Prepares and audits international payroll and tax reports and completes payroll transactions and changes adhering to established policies and procedures to meet anticipates deadlines
Receives responds to and resolves highly complex employee payroll and tax questions and problems
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to complete payroll impacted transactions and changes in Workday troubleshoot payroll issues and ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Located within the Division of General Services Office of Human Resources Solutions Team
The salary range for this position is $55000- $62000. Actual pay is determined at hire and is based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance tax-advantaged savings accounts and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits please see
Knowledge of payroll practices or related area
High attention to detail accuracy and ability to meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn to navigate and utilize Human Resource Information Systems (e.g. PeopleSoft Workday etc.)
Payroll and/or human resources experience in a higher education or similar setting
Associates Degree Preferred
Candidates will be required to upload a cover letter referring to related work experience and a resume/CV detailing educational and professional background. Candidates will also be presented with the option to manually enter Certifications Education Languages and Website information.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States a lawful permanent resident a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer and therefore is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants.
The application deadline is 11:59 pm on November 10 2025.
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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students faculty and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to including but not limited to race color religion sex sexual orientation national origin age pregnancy disability or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g. application interview pre-employment testing etc.) please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
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Required Experience:
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