Payroll and Financial Benefits Manager

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association•Madison, WI

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) seeks a detail-oriented Payroll and Financial Benefits Manager to join its Human Resources team. This role is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll and financial benefits programs for all employees. The position oversees end-to-end payroll processing and serves as the primary administrator for retirement and financial benefits programs, ensuring strong controls, clear employee communication, and an excellent overall experience. The role partners closely with HR, Finance, external vendors, and auditors to maintain compliance, improve processes, and support organizational growth. This is a hybrid position requiring on-site work in the Madison, WI office at least two days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
5+ years of experience managing payroll and financial benefits administration
Demonstrated knowledge of payroll law, tax regulations, and retirement plan compliance
Experience with payroll system (ADP preferred, but not required)
Experience administering 401(k) or similar retirement plans
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting payroll and benefits for a mid‑size organization (200+ employees)
Payroll or benefits certification (CPP, CEBS, or similar)
Experience partnering closely with Finance and external auditors
High level of accuracy and integrity
Strong organizational and time‑management skills
Ability to explain complex payroll and benefit concepts clearly
Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Collaborative, service‑oriented approach

Responsibilities

Manage end‑to‑end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Maintain payroll system configuration, earnings, deductions, taxes, and general ledger mapping
Ensure proper handling of payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, leave of absence, bonuses, and retroactive adjustments
Manage payroll calendaring, off‑cycle payrolls, and year‑end processing (W‑2s, reconciliations)
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll issues, resolving discrepancies and responding to employee questions with professionalism and confidentiality
Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, audits, and reporting
Administer retirement and financial benefit programs, including 401(k), employer contributions, and related compliance requirements
Administer deferred compensation plans
Serve as the primary liaison with benefits vendors, recordkeepers, and advisors
Oversee enrollment, change processing, testing, nondiscrimination requirements, and Form 5500 preparation
Coordinate annual audits, plan testing, and required filings
Ensure benefit plans are administered consistently with plan documents and regulatory requirements
Partner with Chief Human Resources Officer to lead Employee Retirement Plan Oversight Committee
Ensure ongoing compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and benefit plan requirements
Develop and maintain strong internal controls related to payroll and benefit payments
Prepare regular and ad‑hoc reports related to payroll costs, benefit participation, and compliance metrics
Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation and timely responses
Serve as system lead for payroll and benefit platforms, including vendor upgrades, testing, and issue resolution
Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes and improve employee experience
Maintain clear documentation, procedures, and job aids for payroll and benefits administration
Partner with Human Resources colleagues on onboarding, offboarding, compensation changes, and leave administration
Provide clear guidance and education to employees regarding payroll and financial benefits
Communicate changes to payroll or benefit programs in a clear, accurate, and employee‑friendly manner
Partner with supervisors and staff to ensure accurate time recording and Flexible Time Off balances and policies