Payroll & Benefits Administrator - Temporary

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 Temporary Payroll and Benefits Administrator processes the University’s payroll and benefits programs. This is a temporary position to cover a 20-week maternity leave that is anticipated to begin in early December. Candidate will cross-train with the Payroll and Benefits specialist for several weeks prior to the leave commencing. Augsburg University uses UKG Kronos for timekeeping, Unit4 (legacy) HRIS for payroll calculation, and ADP Payroll Processing.

Estimated weekly hours: 20 - 40

Primary Responsibilities

• Serves as daily operational administrator of all University payroll and benefits functions. 
• Prepares and processes the bi-weekly payroll cycle to ensure timely and accurate pay in compliance with all local, state and federal requirements.
• Enters and maintains accurate pay, benefits, and employment records in the HRIS system.
• Enters employment elections for the University’s health and welfare benefits plans, including medical/dental/vision, retirement, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Ensures timely and accurate payments to third-party benefits providers are processed and audited.
• Serves as primary contact for general questions relating to payroll and benefits administration.
• Calculates termination payments, adjustments, special pays, retroactive payments and overpayment of wages and issues off-cycle payments as required. 
• Processes and tracks records involving employees' leaves of absence.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serves as back-up coverage for the human resources office in-person operations.
• Serves as back-up for administrative projects, including monitoring of the general Human Resources inbox, and other administrative functions.
• Other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This is a in-person position working five (5) days per week on campus.
• Extensive computer and phone use.
• Extensive interaction (verbal, written, face-to-face, and remote) with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Sedentary work – sitting/standing at a desk for long periods of time (frequent).
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds (seldom).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of full-time, professional administrative experience with at least one (1) year of directly related payroll, benefits, or human resources related administration.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines while managing competing demands.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• 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

• CEBS, PHR/SPHR, and/or SHRM-CP/SCP, or other related certification.
• UKG Kronos & ADP experience preferred.
• Strong Google Suite (Google Sheets) knowledge.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to problem-solve and think critically using systems-thinking.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll processes, benefits administration, and applicable wage and hour laws.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and reconciliations.
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems and spreadsheets.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills for resolving payroll or benefits issues in highly time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to maint