Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager

Summary of 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. This position balances daily operational responsibilities with a proactive approach to accuracy and data collaboration with internal and external partners this role proactively anticipates risks optimizes technology and workflows and resolves systemic problems before they impact employees.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Manages end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processes in Workday for faculty staff and student workers to ensure accurate and timely compensation.
• Oversees payroll tax operations in collaboration with the universitys third-party tax provider securing accurate bi-weekly quarterly and year-end reporting and tax filings.
• Manages statutory and voluntary deductions tracking specific adjustments for retirement plans student worker tax exemptions and court-ordered garnishments.
• Administers reconciles and audits comprehensive benefits programs managing employee enrollments and deductions for medical dental vision retirement life and disability plans. 
• Oversees the administration of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and COBRA compliance working closely with third-party administrators (TPAs) to ensure accurate tracking timely notifications and regulatory compliance.
• Leads annual open enrollment planning and execution and processes mid-year qualifying events.
• Serves as the internal resource for employees with basic questions regarding their benefits and a referral source to benefits providers for complex questions and cases. 
• Leads and/or supports the Universitys annual retirement plan audit process.
• Working closely with third-party administrators (TPAs) manages and tracks leaves of absences including short-term/long-term disability workers compensation military leave FMLA and state-specific programs (such as Minnesota Paid Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time - ESST).
• Manages leave accruals pay continuation and benefit premium deductions while employees are on leave.
• Coordinates leave workflows by guiding employees through the application process and managing the operational relationship with the universitys third-party leave administrator.
• Remains up-to-date on all federal and state laws and regulations regarding payroll and payroll taxes benefits and leaves.
• Critically analyzes gaps and develops reviews and audits to proactively catch and resolve critical issues

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains Workday system integrity by regularly auditing employee changes timekeeping records and student worker status updates.
• Participates in department and University-wide initiatives and committees
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• The typical working environment is an office setting. Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• This position works on-campus Monday - Friday during daytime hours with some remote work opportunities after the onboarding period is complete.
• Frequent computer video meeting/in-person meetings and phone work.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and five (5) or more years of directly related payroll and benefits/leave administration; an equivalent level of education/certification and directly-related experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of payroll tax regulations and applications at the federal and state levels.  
• Advanced knowledge of employee benefit rules and regulations including but not limited to health and welfare plans 403(b) or other retirement plans and ERISA-related benefits.
• Demonstrated 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 track record of collaboration and exceptional customer service required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP CEBS SHRM-CP/SCP or other related certification.
• Familiarity with Workday payroll absence and time tracking.
• Knowledge of  Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to providing superior customer service.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills and exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a fast-paced rapidly changing environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to take initiative organize workflows manage tasks and projects.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently with little supervision.
• Excellent computer skills ability to learn new systems.

Additional Information :

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position please include the following in your application:

• Cover Letter (required).
• Resume (required).

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

The compensation is $70000 - $78000 DOQ. 

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including:

• Medical dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an 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 with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off including 14 paid holidays 12 sick days 2 community service days and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender sexual orientation marital status gender identity race age disability religion national origin color or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender sexual orientation marital status gender identity race age disability religion national origin color or any other protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: or email:

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time