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 integrity. In 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 university’s 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 University’s 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 university’s 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s 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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No