Payroll and Benefits Manager

Department

Human Resources

Status

Full-Time

Time Period

40 hours/12 months

Available

September 8, 2025

Description

The payroll and benefits manager is responsible for the correct allocation of all funds related to payroll and maintaining all aspects of employee benefit and retirement plans for the University and Ben Lippen School. The manager also works with CIU management/executives and external auditors who annually review the plans. The payroll and benefits manager will periodically consult with immigration attorneys to obtain legal counsel regarding international employees and the visa process.

Responsibilities

Provide daily oversight of the payroll and benefits functions.
Supervise the preparation of monthly payrolls to ensure accuracy, timely payment, and compliance with federal and state laws, and regulations.
Oversee the preparation of quarterly payroll reports (i.e., Form 941 federal income tax and social security return, multi-state income tax returns and filings, and unemployment filings for all multi-states).
Oversee the preparation and distribution of annual payroll reports to the government, appropriate CIU management/executives and Board of Trustees.
Manage the design, implementation and accounting for all employee benefit plans (i.e., educational benefits, health and wellness, retirement, flexible spending, health savings, long term disability plan, long term care, and others). This includes negotiating with external benefit brokers and vendors.
Work with administrators, department heads, supervisors, employees and external auditors on issues related to payroll, employee benefits, worker’s compensation, American’s with Disabilities, and family medical leave. Help to resolve difficulties and promote understanding of and appreciation for payroll and benefits functions and provisions, and making sure changes are properly communicated to employees.
Conduct group meetings with employees using designed and prepared oral and multimedia presentations concerning benefit and retirement plans.
Maintain the position roster and historic and census data files on all employees for payroll and benefits.
Work with outside agencies, auditors, federal and state government, immigration, health, life, retirement plan advisors and legal counsel on issues related to employment, payroll, benefits, corporate liability and workmen’s compensation.
In consultation with the human resources director, oversee the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helping employees with particular personal needs that impact work and continued employment at CIU.
Manage the design, implementation and accounting for all international full-time, regular employees, making sure they have been onboarded through Globalization Partners (G-P) and paid accordingly; work with supervisors going forward.
Consult with attorneys on all immigration needs, H1B visas, and green card processes; follow through on the payment of all invoices and paperwork as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned including serving on committees.

Qualifications

Proven skills for negotiating and problem resolution in compensation, benefits, insurance liability, workmen’s compensation matters and contracts.
Knowledge of payroll and benefits regulations, policies and procedures.
Competency in wisely and tactfully advising employees concerning pay and benefits issues.
Proven ability to give clear oral and multimedia presentations to large and small groups.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Flexibility to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Accuracy with details; ability to discern and maintain confidentiality is a must.
At least five years of relevant experience (i.e., payroll processes, managing benefit programs, and financial planning).
Knowledge of international hiring practices extremely helpful.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, human resources or related field.

Benefits

CIU provides a benefits package that includes:

Health Plan;
401(k) plan with match opportunity;
Employer provided group life insurance;
Long term disability insurance;
Vacation days, holidays, sick leave, family leave;
Educational benefits: tuition reduction for PreK3-Graduate.