Payroll and Benefit Specialist - Madison, Wisconsin, United States (2024)

Job Summary:

This position functions as a payroll and benefits specialist in the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB). The WSB has over 750 appointments including 90 faculty, 325 staff, 300 student hourlies, and 169 Graduate Assistants (Teaching Assistants, Program Assistants, Research Assistants). Under the general supervision of the Payroll and Benefits Manager, and on a team with two other WSB Payroll and Benefit Specialists, this position functions with a high degree of independence as the payroll and benefits contact for the hourly staff and student hourly appointments of WSB. This position administers payroll and benefits from multiple funding sources.

The incumbent is responsible for accurate and proper processing of payroll information into the PeopleSoft HRS payroll system and ensures that the processing of payroll and benefits for WSB staff and student employees comply with applicable policies and procedures. The incumbent must possess the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, have high attention to detail and excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities:

Processes payroll, receives employee payroll changes, and provides routine human resources information to one or more work units in order to ensure timely and accurate payroll transaction processing. Maintains personnel records and assists with work unit operational policy development. Provides accurate, timely, and comprehensive benefit information and counseling to employees to assist audiences in understanding benefits eligibility, selection, and enrollment rules.

  • 15% Prepares, organizes, disseminates, and processes payroll and benefit resources, communications, and materials for one or more work units through various mediums under general supervision
  • 20% Prepares and audits standard work unit payrolls, and completes payroll transactions and changes adhering to established policies and procedures to meet anticipated deadlines
  • 20% Receives, responds to, and resolves employee payroll and benefit questions and problems
  • 20% Counsels new, existing, and terminating employees on payroll and benefit options, timelines, taxes, and deductions
  • 10% Assists employees with the completion of benefit enrollments, changes, and maintenance of employee records according to established policies and procedures
  • 5% Represents unit/program at payroll workshops, informational meetings, and training sessions
  • 10% Contributes to the development, implementation, interpretation, and revision of work unit Human Resources policies and procedures according to institutional and legal rules and regulations

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred
Bachelor's Degree

Qualifications:

Required:
- Minimum of two years experience in Payroll/Benefits

Preferred:
- Experience with I-9 employment verification
- Knowledge of HR systems such as Peoplesoft and Workday.
- Experience working in a fast paced environment with a high attention to detail.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
- Experience generating reports using databases.
- Knowledge of Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) benefits.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Experience working in a confidential capacity.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Work Schedule:

Standard office hours, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 pm

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $25.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
The employee in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

Additional Information:

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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Diversity and inclusion are primary values for the Wisconsin School of Business and are integral to achieving our strategic goals. We seek candidates with an awareness of and commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion across all spectrums. Our school is committed to continuously increasing the cultural competence of its staff and faculty members through school-wide forums and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:

Please complete the online application and attach a cover letter addressing your qualifications and experiences specifically relating to the responsibilities of this position as described along with a comprehensive resume.

Our search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. We will notify all applicants once the search is completed and we have selected a top candidate. As applicants move on to next steps in the process, they will be asked to provide names and contact information (e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address) of at least three references.

Contact:

Se Yang
se.yang@wisc.edu
608-263-2975
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Payroll and Benefits Spec(HR074)

Department(s):

A12-WISCONSIN SCH OF BUSINESS/HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL

Employment Class:

University Staff-Ongoing

Job Number:

304337-CP

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

Payroll and Benefit Specialist  - Madison, Wisconsin, United States (2024)

FAQs

What does a payroll benefits specialist do? ›

Administer all employee benefit programs including enrollments and terminations. Coordinates and conducts the new employee on boarding process and presents benefits presentations to ensure employees gain an understanding of benefit plans and enrollment provisions.

How much does an HR specialist earn in Madison WI? ›

As of Aug 5, 2024, the average annual pay for a Human Resources Specialist in Madison is $68,607 a year.

What is the highest salary for a payroll specialist? ›

Payroll Specialist Salary in California
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$73,030$35
75th Percentile$63,200$30
Average$54,370$26
25th Percentile$46,400$22

Is payroll specialist a stressful job? ›

Payroll Specialists often face tight deadlines and the responsibility for accurate salary processing, which can be stressful. However, by establishing robust systems, staying updated on payroll regulations, and maintaining clear communication with employees and management, they can manage stress effectively.

What is the highest paid HR job? ›

Top 15 HR jobs
  1. Vice President, Talent Acquisition. Salary: $283,000 – $498,000. ...
  2. Chief People Officer. Salary: $245,000 – $450,000. ...
  3. VP, Human Resources. Salary: $241,000 – $420,000. ...
  4. Chief Talent Officer. ...
  5. Change Management Director. ...
  6. Compensation Director. ...
  7. Stock Plan Administration Manager. ...
  8. Global HR Manager.

How much does a HR coordinator make in Madison WI? ›

The average salary for a HR Coordinator in Madison, WI is $56,180.

What state pays the highest for HR? ›

U.S. States with the Highest HR Salaries
  • Connecticut – $127,128.
  • Indiana – $117,424.
  • California – $111,402.
  • New York – $106,032.
  • Massachusetts – $102,243.

What is the job description for a benefits specialist? ›

A benefits specialist's primary duties include overseeing compensation policies, designing benefits packages, and managing employee training programs. Essential skills for a successful benefits specialist include knowledge of HR and business management, analytical thinking, and industry experience.

Is a benefits specialist a hard job? ›

Not bad. Hard to get started, products and pricing really are worth it. It can be a hard sell - works best if the employer can see the value and provide it at a lower cost to employees as part of their benefits package.

What is the main function of a payroll specialist? ›

A Payroll Specialist's responsibilities encompass a broad range, depending on the organization, but their main goal is to ensure that employees receive their pay correctly. This role handles all aspects of the payment process, from tracking employees' time through issuing paychecks.

What is the difference between HR and payroll specialist? ›

For an organization to run smoothly, both departments (HR and payroll) must work together in tandem. It's the HR department that hires employees (or lets them go) and sets them up on the system. Then, it's then over to payroll, which ensures that all aspects of their payments are taken care of.

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