Total Rewards Payroll and Benefits Specialist (Adjunct) - Human Resources (2 positions)

This position is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and benefits, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance, efficiency, and exceptional employee support. This role involves managing payroll operations, benefits transactions, and retirement accounts while streamlining processes and maintaining up-to-date documentation.  

• Process semi-monthly and bi-weekly payroll cycles for faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Conduct pre- and post-payroll audits to ensure compliance with payroll policies and regulations.
• Review and analyze weekly benefit transaction data for accuracy and compliance.
• Generate reports on claims, enrollments, discrepancies, and identify trends or areas of concern.
• Process special benefit-related tasks, such as Medigap mailings, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Prepare payroll and benefits documentation for audits and compliance reviews.
• Automate and generate reports to reduce manual efforts and streamline analysis.
• Identify and implement workflow improvements, such as automation of reporting.
• Collaborate on updates or changes to payroll and benefits systems to ensure smooth transitions and enhanced efficiency.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES                              

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Familiarity with payroll and benefits systems (e.g., Workday) and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll and benefits regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working experience in higher education.

Salary: $30,000 (29 hours/week)

Campus: Allendale, In-person position, within business hours Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm.

Department: Human Resources

Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin immediately and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

How to Apply:  Please attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.