Payroll Operations Specialist

Bargaining unit consideration begins on June 18, 2026 and ends on June 24. Pay rate: $25.96 (Step 3) - $30.88 (Step 12) ($53,996.80 - $64,230.40)
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm daily. The team works a hybrid schedule with in person work required on Tuesdays.

Position Overview:
The Payroll Operations Specialist role is a key position within the College of Liberal Arts Human Resources Team, primarily responsible for the accurate and compliant management of payroll, HR data,and related policy application. This position provides service across the College of Liberal Arts, including HRMS support and guidance, interpreting and applying policy provisions around pay practices across employment groups, managing employee records, and identifying operational efficiencies around payroll processing. The specialist is required to interpret and apply policy provisions and consult on complex procedures. The College of Liberal Arts Payroll Specialist works with high attention to detail in all aspects of system monitoring and reporting to ensure data integrity and policy compliance. This role works independently to oversee all aspects of payroll coordination and compliance within the College of Liberal Arts.

The priority application deadline is July 14th, 2026.

Job Duties/Responsibilities (include job buckets & percentages):

Responsibilities:

50% HRMS & Payroll Administration

• College approver for TeamDynamix requests: Analyze TDX requests for policy compliance. Partner with units or other colleges to resolve inconsistencies prior to approving over to OHR Operations for processing.
• Consult on policies and procedures related to payroll, including unit workflow and requirements, University pay policies and procedures, and correct time and absence reporting.
• Performs review of accurate time reporting, verification, and balancing to ensure internal controls are followed and audit requirements are met.
• Resolve discrepancies and errors appropriately. Coordinate resolution with the department.
• Process payroll updates and off cycles as needed.
• Serve as Unit Time and Absence Administrator.

40% HRMS Management

• Maintains job data integrity by conducting routine audits and analyzing data utilizing queries and reporting tools; ensures updates are incorporated so systems are compliant with all policies.
• Manage and track various changes of appointments, ie, faculty phase retirements, faculty development leaves, etc.
• Oversight of HRMS schedules and delegations.
• In coordination with the Payroll Manager, research and recommend best HRMS practices with units.

5% I-9 Administration

• Process and monitor employment verification.
  • Volume fluctuates with the semester cycle.
• Analyze documentation to ensure it reflects compliance with federal I-9 requirements.
• Stop Pay Report: Resolve discrepancies found

5% Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of general accounts transaction experience. Training/education may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience.
• Experience working with a high volume of transactions and multiple competing deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, including effective oral and written communication skills
• Experience with MS Office suite applications, including MS Word and MS Excel * Must be able to complete training and show proficiency with PeopleSoft HRMS and collegiate systems and processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a web-based enterprise HR and Payroll system * Experience with the PeopleSoft HRMS 9.2
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Highly developed organization skills with high attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Intermediate computer skills in spreadsheet creation and management, and web-based reporting
• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Knowledge of and experience with application of University policies, workflows, and systems
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, \outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working in CLA

Pay Range: $25.96 (Step 3) - $30.88 (Step 12); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Required application materials: Resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.