Payroll, Benefits, and Leaves Senior Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Job Description

Summary of Position 

The Payroll, Benefits, and Leaves Senior Specialist oversees payroll, 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 service, delivery, accuracy, and data-integrity. In collaboration with internal partners and third-party administrators, this role proactively anticipates risks, optimizes technology and workflows, and resolves systemic problems before they impact employees.  

Primary Responsibilities

Payroll Administration (40%)

• Process bi-weekly payroll using Workday for approximately 800 employees to ensure accurate and timely compensation.
• Confirm that accurate bi-weekly, quarterly, and year-end reporting and tax filings are completed accurately and on time through the University’s third-party payroll tax processor.
• Manage statutory and voluntary deductions, tracking specific adjustments for retirement plans, student employee tax exemptions, and court-ordered garnishments.
• Remain current on all federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to payroll and payroll taxes, benefits and leaves.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll questions, errors, and issues.

Leave Administration (40%)

• Manage end-to-end administration of all leaves of absence, including FMLA, disability (STD/LTD), parental, military, and state-mandated leaves, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for employees regarding leave policies, eligibility, rights, and responsibilities. 
• Partner with the University’s third-party leave administrator to ensure claims are processed and paid accurately and timely.
• Calculate and process supplemental sick, vacation, or disability pay. 
• Monitor leave duration, tracks usage trends, and maintains accurate records within Workday to ensure seamless tracking of paid/unpaid time off and benefit continuations. 
• Guide employees through the transition off and back to work, managing return-to-work logistics, fitness-for-duty clearances, and modified duty programs. 

Benefits Administration (10%)

• Serve as the internal resource for employees with basic questions regarding their benefits, and a referral source to benefits providers for complex questions and cases. 
• Administer, reconcile, and audit comprehensive benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, retirement, and disability plans. 
• Oversee 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.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, and makes appropriate changes for mid-year qualifying events.

Audit and Compliance (10%)

• Conduct regular payroll, benefits, and leave audits to ensure data accuracy.
• Maintain Workday system integrity by regularly auditing employee changes, timekeeping records, and student worker status updates.
• Critically analyze gaps and develop reviews and audits to proactively catch and resolve critical issues.
• Serve as a primary liaison to provide documentation and support as requested during the University’s annual retirement plan audit.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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 and in-person meetings, and phone work.

Qualifications

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.

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 for this position is $70,000 - $78,000, 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 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: View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or email: View email address on ziprecruiter.com.