Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager

Augsburg University • Minneapolis, MN

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager oversees end-to-end payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and leave-of-absence programs while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The role balances daily operations with a proactive focus on accuracy and data integrity. In collaboration with internal and external partners, the manager anticipates risks, improves technology and workflows, and addresses systemic problems before they affect employees.

The manager processes bi-weekly payroll in Workday for faculty, staff, and student workers; coordinates payroll tax operations with a third-party tax provider; and administers deductions and adjustments. The role also administers and audits benefits programs, oversees FSA, HSA, and COBRA processes, leads open enrollment, supports retirement plan audits, and manages employee leaves and associated pay and benefit deductions. The position maintains awareness of applicable laws and regulations and conducts reviews and audits to identify and resolve issues.

This position works on campus Monday through Friday during daytime hours, with some remote work opportunities after onboarding. The typical setting is an office, involving extended sedentary work and frequent computer, meeting, and phone use.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of directly related payroll and benefits/leave administration experience; an equivalent level of education or certification and directly related experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations and applications.
• Advanced knowledge of employee benefits 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.
• Proven collaboration skills and exceptional customer service.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with exceptional 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 as part of a team and independently with little supervision.
• Ability to learn new systems.
• Commitment to providing superior customer service.

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 Workday payroll for faculty, staff, and student workers to ensure accurate and timely compensation.
• Oversee payroll tax operations with the university’s third-party tax provider, including 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 and manage employee enrollments and deductions for medical, dental, vision, retirement, life, and disability plans.
• Oversee FSA, HSA, and COBRA administration with third-party administrators to ensure accurate tracking, timely notifications, and regulatory compliance.
• 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 coordination 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 up to date 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 (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager