HR/Payroll Generalist - Compliance and Payroll

About the Job The HR Associate provides professional HR operations, compliance,and systems support across the employee lifecycle. Working undergeneral supervision, this position serves as a first-line resourcefor staff HR inquiries, independently leads day-one employeeonboarding for Civil Service and Labor Represented staff, auditspayroll and HR records, and provides key operational support to theChief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and HR leadership. This roleapplies HR knowledge and established policies to resolve routineissues, support talent processes, and contribute to continuousprocess improvements and an exceptional employee experience.
Responsibilities HR Operations & Administration (60%)
Serve as the first point of contact for employee HR inquiries;evaluate incoming questions independently to interpret standard UMFand University policies, resolve routine matters directly, orescalate complex issues to HR Business Partners, UMF HR leadership,or central OHR.
Process bi-weekly payroll and HRMS transactions, ensuringaccuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University policies andemployment regulations
Audit payroll, personnel, and leave data, utilizing knowledgeof HR policies to independently investigate and resolvediscrepancies.
Administer pre-employment activities, including reference andbackground checks, and partner with HR leadership to evaluate andaddress results as appropriate.
Serve as the main face of UMF HR for new hires to guide themthrough policies, culture, and initial setup. Assist HR leadershipas needed with periodic larger orientation sessions.
Process student employment transactions, including hires, jobchanges, and separations, ensuring compliance with Universitypolicies and procedures.
Maintain confidential employee records and HR documentation inaccordance with legal requirements, University policies, andestablished records management practices.
Manage electronic and physical HR records through PerceptiveContent, including record retention, archiving, and disposition inaccordance with the University of Minnesota's records retentionschedule.
Analyze routine HR operational processes and workflows toidentify inefficiencies, proposing standard operating procedureenhancements to improve compliance and service delivery.
Provide professional administrative and operational support tothe Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and HR leadership,including calendar management, coordinating complex schedules,presentation preparation, and drafting departmentalcommunications.
Coordinate day-to-day administrative operations to support theeffective functioning of the Human Resources department.
Serve as a primary operational contact for departmentalinquiries providing responsive, customer-focused support, andapplying judgment to direct workflow and coordinate logistics formeetings, training sessions, and HR projects.
Monitor departmental operating and travel expenses, processexpense reimbursements, and ensure compliance with University andFoundation financial policies.
Partner with the Director of Organizational Development andTalent Management to support annual performance management cycles,serving as a primary point of contact to guide managers andemployees through the goal setting and review process.
Support administration of the Talent Management System (TalentConnects) by maintaining system data, coordinating vendor support,and partnering with IT on system enhancements.
Coordinate annual talent management processes, including goalsetting, performance reviews, succession planning, and conflict ofinterest disclosures.
Maintain learning content, system resources, and supportingdocumentation in collaboration with Organizational Development andTalent Management.
Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education and/orexperience to equal at least four years.
Ability to interpret standard policies, apply independentjudgment to resolve problems, and handle confidential HRinquiries.
Demonstrated advanced level experience with Microsoft OfficeSuite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) including spreadsheet and databaseapplications, presentation creation, and word-processing andformatting.
Demonstrated customer-service orientation with high energy andwork style, which positively engages others.
Ability to maintain and secure sensitive and privateinformation with high data integrity and confidentiality.
Written and verbal communication skills, including correct useof grammar, spelling, editing and punctuation.
Bachelor’s degree in business, administration or relatedfield.
1-2 years of HR experience, with exposure to onboarding, policyinterpretation, or talent management systems.
Experience providing executive-level administrativesupport.
About the Department At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is toconnect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and supportgreatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at theheart of everything we do and every decision we make. Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counselingat no cost
Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.To learn more about diversity at the U:
About University of Minnesota At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State(2022-2026). The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,international corporations, government agencies, and arts,nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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