Payroll/Benefits Technician III, Human Resource Services

The Human Resource Services department at the University of Montana invites applications for two (2) Payroll/Benefits Technician III's to join their team. If hired, you will be joining our Human Resource Services family as we partner with the University of Montana (UM) community and affiliated campuses to provide solutions and services to support the success of the UM mission.

Our team is looking for an analytical, service-minded individual who is interested in learning to become an HR professional. You will learn to hone your customer service skills by serving as a liaison with our internal and external customers; review, analyze, and interpret data; and ensure the data you input into our integrated information system is accurate. You will acquire experience providing professional HR services to the employees in campus departments who will count on your ability to provide clear and concise answers; problem-solving solutions in a straightforward, and sometimes creative, fashion; and communicating effectively in order to find answers regarding HR and payroll issues, when explaining policy and procedural changes, and when providing training and guidance to departmental liaisons.

You will have the opportunity to provide data and input into the production of a variety of internal and external payroll and HR management reports; develop a thorough knowledge of the HR module of the integrated system and its interaction with other modules; recognize and take corrective action on system data; build an understanding of system limits and how to communicate them; develop a complete understanding of payroll practices and their relation to each employee classification; cross train in all areas; and be an effective member of the payroll team. Additionally, you will gain the knowledge needed to interpret and apply, campus, Montana University System, state, collective bargaining, and federal policies, procedures, regulations, and contracts and understand how those things shape the human resources landscape of campus in order to make sound decisions.

Required Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds at all levels both on and off campus
• Experience and ability to provide exceptional customer service, with the ability to maintain positive composure when serving angry customers; and outstanding conflict resolution skills
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with departmental representatives and team members
• Ability to learn, understand and communicate personnel and payroll transactions to individuals with varying degrees of understanding
• Ability to use, or learn to use, integrated information system, word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software, including any new software that may be required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position
• Ability to perform, or learn to perform, accurate, timely data entry
• Understanding and experience of basic math that will be used to perform payroll calculations
• Ability to effectively prioritize workloads.
• Organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail in order to achieve the highest level of accuracy
• Sound judgment, problem solving skills and trouble-shooting skills
• Must be able to respond to unclear situations and information in a positive, open, and thoughtful way in order to gain clarity
• Ability to maintain a consistently professional, personable demeanor
• Ability to maintain complete confidentially with all issues discussed and handled in the HRS office
• Ability to analyze information and determine an appropriate course of action
• Ability and desire to learn, grow, and develop work knowledge, skills and abilities

Minimum Required Experience

• Experience to perform at this level is typically acquired with any combination of experience and education that provides the competencies necessary to successfully discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.

About Human Resource Services and UM

Human Resource Services is dedicated to providing support to attract and retain a talented and diverse group of outstanding faculty, staff and professionals to create an organizational climate that encourages a high level of professionalism, service, performance, and dedication.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.

The University of Montana is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. This position is eligible for veterans' and disabilities preference in accordance with Montana State Law.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: UM Lifestyles
  • University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Payroll/Benefits Technician III

Position Number: 013470; 013450

Department: Human Resource Services

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $17.143/hr

Union Affiliation: None

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, March 20, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to each of the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Newly graduated individuals may provide contact information for three (3) educational or volunteer experience references if you have limited or no professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular