Function:
The Payroll and Benefits Business Partner plays a crucial role in supporting the college’s human resources function by managing a wide range of payroll and benefits-related duties. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, trustworthiness, and a commitment to fostering collegial relationships within the college community. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong customer service orientation and a proactive approach to professional development and growth. Initiative and independent judgment in the application of prescribed policies, procedures, and methods are essential. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to align with the primary scope of the position.

Responsibilities

Payroll Functions:

• Process bi-weekly and monthly payroll through an outside vendor, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Track and record employee PTO with precision and discretion.
• Calculate payroll deductions for voluntary employee benefits, safeguarding sensitive information.
• Submit contributions for 403b deductions and matches with accuracy and reliability.
• Maintain payroll system data essential for ACA reporting while upholding data integrity.
• Provide timely and professional responses to faculty and staff inquiries related to payroll, emphasizing a customer service approach.

Benefits Functions:

• Manage employee eligibility for various benefits, ensuring a smooth and confidential process.
• Prepare comprehensive benefits enrollment packages for new hires, supporting their transition with clear and supportive communication.
• Process employee enrollments with carriers promptly and accurately, protecting personal information.
• Distribute Summary Plan Descriptions as needed, ensuring compliance and clear communication.
• Handle benefit terminations and COBRA paperwork in a timely and confidential manner, in partnership with vendors.
• Process and follow up on disability claims with sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Review and reconcile benefits invoices to ensure accuracy before payment, maintaining trust and transparency.
• Address faculty and staff questions related to benefits with a customer service mindset.

Other Functions:

• Produce essential reports for Third Party Administrators to ensure accurate and timely annual 5500 filings.
• Maintain accurate records to support the filing of the EEO-1 report, demonstrating attention to detail and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the Director and Finance department on annual benefits renewals with carriers, fostering teamwork and collegiality.
• Assist with the annual update of the Employee Handbook, contributing to a clear and current resource for all staff.
• Maintain accurate job descriptions for staff, ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Participate in audits, including retirement plan and worker’s compensation, with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Provide faculty and staff with periodic updates on benefits, ensuring clear and accessible communication.
• Engage in job-related seminars and webinars to stay informed of changes in payroll and benefits laws, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned, with a spirit of flexibility and teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Human Resources or Business Administration.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field, with preference given to those with experience in an academic setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a focus on building trust and collegial relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Mail Merges, with the ability to handle sensitive data securely.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and trust.

Stephens College is a women’s college proudly located in downtown Columbia, MO, home to the University of Missouri and two private colleges with a total student population of about 40,000. Since our founding in 1833, we’ve been offering innovative, career-focused programs sound in the liberal arts with a focus on creative arts and sciences. We take a hands-on, experiential approach to education, making sure our students get both quality classroom instruction and external work experiences that complement their coursework. Stephens College prepares students to become leaders and innovators in a rapidly changing world. Graduate, online, and certificate programs are available to women and men as part of our commitment to lifelong learning.

The college prides itself on fostering a close-knit faculty community and on providing a welcoming, learning-centered environment for students. The learning community is distinguished by small classes, close engagement with faculty, intellectual rigor, and dynamic programs of study that reflect the College’s mission of lifelong learning. Stephens College contributes to the vibrant social and cultural climate which makes Columbia such a desirable place to live.

Stephens College does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression and identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status and all other classifications protected by law. Stephens College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX or disability accommodations, any other concerns related to equity or noncompliance, or requests for a complete copy of the College’s policy should be directed to the Stephens College Equity Compliance Team at equity@stephens.edu, www.stephens.edu/equity or (573) 876-2321 or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at http://www.ed.gov/ocr