Payroll and Financial Benefits Manager

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*—the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison—seeks a detail-oriented Payroll and Financial Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources team.

The Payroll and Financial Benefits Manager is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll and financial benefits programs for all employees. This role oversees end-to-end payroll processing and serves as the primary administrator for retirement and financial benefits programs, ensuring strong controls, clear employee communication, and an excellent overall experience. The position partners closely with HR, Finance, external vendors, and auditors to maintain compliance, improve processes, and support organizational growth.

This is a hybrid position requiring on-site work in our Madison, WI office at least two days per week.

Essential Functions:

Payroll Administration

• Manage end‑to‑end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain payroll system configuration, earnings, deductions, taxes, and general ledger mapping
• Ensure proper handling of payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, leave of absence, bonuses, and retroactive adjustments
• Manage payroll calendaring, off‑cycle payrolls, and year‑end processing (W‑2s, reconciliations)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll issues, resolving discrepancies and responding to employee questions with professionalism and confidentiality
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, audits, and reporting

Financial Benefits Administration

• Administer retirement and financial benefit programs, including 401(k), employer contributions, and related compliance requirements
• Administer deferred compensation plans
• Serve as the primary liaison with benefits vendors, recordkeepers, and advisors
• Oversee enrollment, change processing, testing, nondiscrimination requirements, and Form 5500 preparation
• Coordinate annual audits, plan testing, and required filings
• Ensure benefit plans are administered consistently with plan documents and regulatory requirements
• Partner with Chief Human Resources Officer to lead Employee Retirement Plan Oversight Committee

Compliance, Controls & Reporting

• Ensure ongoing compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and benefit plan requirements
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls related to payroll and benefit payments
• Prepare regular and ad‑hoc reports related to payroll costs, benefit participation, and compliance metrics
• Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation and timely responses

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as system lead for payroll and benefit platforms, including vendor upgrades, testing, and issue resolution
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes and improve employee experience
• Maintain clear documentation, procedures, and job aids for payroll and benefits administration

Collaboration & Employee Support

• Partner with Human Resources colleagues on onboarding, offboarding, compensation changes, and leave administration
• Provide clear guidance and education to employees regarding payroll and financial benefits
• Communicate changes to payroll or benefit programs in a clear, accurate, and employee‑friendly manner
• Partner with supervisors and staff to ensure accurate time recording and Flexible Time Off balances and policies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field OR equivalent professional experience.
• 5 years of experience managing payroll and financial benefits administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll law, tax regulations, and retirement plan compliance.
• Experience with payroll system. (ADP preferred, but not required)
• Experience administering 401(k) or similar retirement plans.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.

Other Qualifications

• Experience supporting payroll and benefits for a mid‑size organization. (200 employees)
• Payroll or benefits certification. (CPP, CEBS, or similar)
• Experience partnering closely with Finance and external auditors.
• High level of accuracy and integrity.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to explain complex payroll and benefit concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative, service‑oriented approach.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits!

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (advanceuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.