Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager
About The Position
The Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager manages end-to-end payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and leave-of-absence programs while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The position balances daily operational responsibilities with a proactive focus on accuracy and data integrity. In collaboration with internal and external partners, the manager anticipates risks, optimizes technology and workflows, and resolves systemic problems before they affect employees. The position processes bi-weekly payroll for faculty, staff, and student workers; oversees payroll tax operations with a third-party provider; administers deductions; and manages, reconciles, and audits employee benefits. It also leads annual open enrollment, supports retirement plan audits, and coordinates leaves of absence with third-party administrators. The manager maintains Workday system integrity and keeps current with applicable laws and regulations. The role is based on campus Monday through Friday during daytime hours, in a typical office setting, with some remote work opportunities after onboarding. It involves sedentary work for extended periods and frequent computer, meeting, and phone use.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and five or more years of directly related payroll and benefits/leave administration experience; an equivalent level of education or certification and directly related experience may be considered.
- Knowledge and understanding of federal and state payroll tax regulations and applications.
- Advanced knowledge of employee benefit rules and regulations, including health and welfare plans, 403(b) or other retirement plans, and ERISA-related benefits.
- Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines while managing competing demands.
- Excellent computer skills and ability to problem-solve and think critically using systems-thinking.
- Track record of collaboration and exceptional customer service.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Ability to take initiative, organize workflows, and manage tasks and projects.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment, both on a team and independently with little supervision.
- Ability to learn new systems.
Nice To Haves
- CPP, CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, or another related certification.
- Familiarity with Workday payroll, absence, and time tracking.
- Knowledge of Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing in Workday for faculty, staff, and student workers, ensuring accurate and timely compensation.
- Oversee payroll tax operations with the university’s third-party tax provider, ensuring accurate bi-weekly, quarterly, and year-end reporting and tax filings.
- Manage statutory and voluntary deductions, including retirement plan adjustments, student worker tax exemptions, and court-ordered garnishments.
- Administer, reconcile, and audit benefits programs, including employee enrollments and deductions for medical, dental, vision, retirement, life, and disability plans.
- Oversee Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and COBRA compliance in collaboration with third-party administrators.
- Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution and process mid-year qualifying events.
- Answer employees’ basic benefits questions and refer complex questions and cases to benefits providers.
- Lead and/or support the University’s annual retirement plan audit process.
- Manage and track leaves of absence, including disability, workers’ compensation, military leave, FMLA, and state-specific programs, in collaboration with third-party administrators.
- Manage leave accruals, pay continuation, and benefit premium deductions while employees are on leave.
- Guide employees through leave applications and manage the operational relationship with the university’s third-party leave administrator.
- Stay current on federal and state laws and regulations regarding payroll, payroll taxes, benefits, and leaves.
- Analyze gaps and develop reviews and audits to proactively identify and resolve critical issues.
- Maintain Workday system integrity by regularly auditing employee changes, timekeeping records, and student worker status updates.
- Participate in department and University-wide initiatives and committees.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 403(b) matching program with employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility.
- Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses, and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program.
- Paid time off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and up to 22 vacation days per year immediately upon hire.
- Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program for all employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
