Payroll & Finance Specialist

Department: HHH Human Resources
Reports To: HR Manager
Pay Range: $26.18 - $28.28 per hour

The Payroll & Finance Specialist provides critical support for finance, payroll, and human resources operations at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. This position plays a dual role across the financial services and HR teams, ensuring the timely processing of transactions, monitoring financial activities, supporting HR administrative tasks, and serving as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders. The University of Minnesota employs an internal ticketing system (PEAK) for the processing of human resource and financial transactions; this role is the primary "requestor" for the Humphrey School and is responsible for all related auditing.

The incumbent must exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a strong commitment to accuracy and service excellence. The position reports to the HR Manager with a dotted-line relationship to the Chief Finance Officer.

Responsibilities:

Payroll and Human Resources (45%)

• Facilitate appointment changes, pay rate changes, new hires, and terminations in PeopleSoft HRMS
• Oversee payroll, timekeeping, and absence entry for faculty, staff, student employees, and fellows
• Complete I-9 employment authorizations and monitor background checks
• Maintain confidential HR records and support compliance with University HR policies and procedures
• Assist with annual processes such as merit increases, reappointments, and employee recognition programs

Financial Services (45%)

• Monitor and manage the Humphrey School's shared financial services email inbox, triaging and responding to finance-related inquiries
• Support employees with processing purchasing card transactions, reconcile accounts, and ensure timely approvals
• Serve as a point of contact for Emburse reimbursements, purchasing card questions, and general transaction support
• Prepare billing activity for internal and external sales
• Assist with budget tracking, financial reporting, and expense monitoring under the guidance of the finance team
• Maintain financial records and filing systems to support audits and compliance efforts

Auditing and Analysis (10%)

• Audit HRMS and EFS entry completed via PEAK, manage the subsequent communication with central OHR and Finance staff, and ensure corrections are made
• Analyze unit workflow for HR and Finance transactions and make recommendations for greater efficiency and accuracy
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) and four (4) years of relevant experience (accounting, finance, payroll, or HR operations)
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive, and ability to learn financial and HR information systems and reporting systems
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and service to a diverse community

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or a related field
• Experience in payroll processing, financial reconciliation, or HR operations in a higher education environment
• Experience with University of Minnesota systems (PeopleSoft HRMS, Emburse/Chrome River, EFS)
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota HR and finance policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining close coordination with multiple functional teams
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide excellent service to a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and visitors
  

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota ranks among the country's top professional public policy and planning schools, widely recognized for its success in advancing the common good through a comprehensive, world-class program. The School offers six distinctive master's degrees, a doctoral degree, and six certificate programs that match students' passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

Pay Range: $26.18 - $28.28 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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.

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).