HR Payroll Specialist

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Payroll Specialist ensures accurate and compliant payroll operations for Alerus employees. They run end-to-end payroll processing, manage leave administration, and maintain strong relationships with employees, managers, auditors, and government agencies. The Payroll Specialist serves as a key resource for payroll-related inquiries and compliance initiatives.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Process biweekly, monthly, and off-cycle payrolls, ensuring accuracy through audits and reconciliations.
• Maintain payroll data integrity: timesheets, status changes, deductions, earnings, tax rates, and calendars.
• Administer leave programs (FMLA, parental, Worker's Compensation, etc.) and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Manage ACH transmissions, garnishments, and tax payments; ensure timely quarterly and year-end filings.
• Coordinate severance, bonus, and special payments in collaboration with HR and Finance.
• Reconcile payroll GL accounts and collaborate with Accounting on reporting and documentation.
• Support offboarding processes, including exit paperwork and benefit notifications.
• Prepare and submit required government reports (EEO-1, VETS, 5500s, unemployment, labor stats).
• Maintain compliance postings and respond to employment verification requests.
• Provide exceptional service to employees regarding payroll, timekeeping, and leave questions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Associate's degree, or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• 2+ years of payroll experience.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• High degree of integrity and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Understanding of HR processes and data, and employment law.
• Demonstrated effective time management skills.
• Professional interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Adapts positively to continuous change.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

BASE PAY RANGE:

$26 - $31 per hour

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.