HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Company Overview

Chestnut Group is a trusted convenience retail brand, preferred fuels marketer and exceptional place to work in the tri-state area. The family-owned company owns and operates gas stations and convenience stores under the Chestnut Market brand and is a preferred supplier for premium fuel flags including Shell, Exxon Mobil and BP among others.

The company has a growing portfolio of retail, wholesale and food service operations across the Northeast.

Chestnut Group is focused on creating and delivering exceptional people-first convenience with care – every experience, every time. Come join our growing and passionate team!

Position Summary

The HR Generalist processes multi-state payroll through ADP Workforce Now, including garnishments and employee loans, and administers employee medical benefits, federal and state FMLA and leaves of absence, and Workers' Compensation. This role serves as the primary contact for employee payroll, benefits, and leave questions and partners with Finance, carriers, and brokers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Our Values

• Safety – We protect the well-being of our people, partners, and communities.
• Quality – We deliver unmatched experiences and service.
• Unity – We collaborate to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity – We do the right thing, always.
• Responsibility – We take ownership of our work and outcomes.
• Respect – We treat everyone with dignity.
• Empowerment – We give people the tools to succeed.
• Love – We bring passion to everything we do.

Our behaviors emphasize operating with excellence, creating welcoming environments, rewarding performance, communicating openly, staying accountable, and approaching challenges with a growth mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly multi-state payroll accurately and on schedule through ADP Workforce Now, serving as the primary system administrator.
• Review and audit payroll data, including hours, earnings, deductions, taxes, and employee status changes, for accuracy and wage and hour compliance.
• Manage payroll tax reporting, year-end W-2 processing, reconciliations, and payroll audits.
• Prepare payroll and labor reports for Finance and leadership, and resolve employee payroll questions promptly.

Payroll Deductions, Garnishments & Employee Loans

• Administer wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions in compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Manage employee loans, payroll advances, and voluntary deductions, including repayment agreements, balance tracking, and reconciliation.

Employee Medical Benefits

• Administer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits, including enrollments, life event changes, and annual Open Enrollment.
• Reconcile carrier invoices with payroll deductions and partner with the benefits broker to resolve employee issues.
• Support ACA reporting and COBRA administration.

FMLA & Leave of Absence Administration

• Administer federal FMLA and state-specific leave programs (NY Paid Family Leave/DBL, NJ FLI/TDI, CT Paid Leave), from eligibility and notices through return to work.
• Coordinate other leaves of absence and ADA accommodation requests in partnership with the Director of Human Resources.

Workers' Compensation

• Manage Workers' Compensation claims from injury reporting through return to work, serving as liaison with the insurance carrier.
• Maintain OSHA injury records and support annual premium audits.

General HR Support

• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data, and identify opportunities to improve HR processes and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and company information at all times.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of HR Generalist experience, including multi-state payroll and benefits administration, required.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax and wage and hour laws, garnishments, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ACA, and Workers' Compensation.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems; ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and handle confidential information professionally.

Preferred Skills

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience in multi-location retail, convenience store, or high-volume hourly environments.
• Experience with NY, NJ, and CT leave programs and working with benefits brokers and carriers.
• Bilingual – Spanish preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health coverage
• 401(k) with company match up to 3%
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Professional development and growth opportunities