Payroll, Benefits and Leaves Manager

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A 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. 

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.

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 $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 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: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].