HR Generalist/ Payroll Specialist

POSITION TITLE: HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST/ PAYROLL SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES

REPORTS TO: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The HR Generalist / Payroll Specialist is responsible for running accurate, timely single-state payroll operations while serving as a primary point of contact for day-to-day human resources functions. This hybrid role bridges HR administration and payroll accounting, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor and tax laws.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

Payroll Processing & Accounting

• End-to-End Payroll: Process weekly, semi-monthly payroll for hourly and salaried employees using HRIS and payroll software (ADP).
• Calculations & Adjustments: Calculate regular wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, paid time off (PTO), and pre/post-tax deductions accurately.
• Tax & Statutory Compliance: Manage payroll tax withholdings, quarterly and annual tax filings (e.g., W-2s, 941s), and statutory contributions.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, assist with monthly bank/account reconciliations, and resolve processing errors.

Human Resources & Benefits Administration

• Benefits Management: Administer employee health, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k)/retirement plans; coordinate open enrollment and life-event changes.
• Leave & Time Tracking: Oversee FMLA, ADA, and short/long-term disability tracking alongside attendance records.
• Onboarding & Offboarding: Coordinate new hire setup in HRIS, conduct orientations, process background checks/I-9 verifications, and conduct exit interviews and final pay calculations.
• Employee Relations: Answer daily HR policy questions, assist with performance management documentation, and support basic grievance or disciplinary inquiries.
• Recordkeeping & Audits: Maintain strict confidentiality and organization of digital and physical personnel/payroll files; run periodic internal audits.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of payroll processing tasks and responsibilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced computer skills, including data entry, data processing, communication tools and payroll and human resources software
• Problem-solving skills and resourceful thinking
• Leadership and coaching skills
• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail and analytically driven

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and work experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience combining payroll processing and general HR administration.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms (ADP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP’s, pivot tables).
• Legal Knowledge: Working understanding of FLSA, FMLA, EEO, OSHA, and federal/state employment and wage-and-hour laws.
• Soft Skills: High level of integrity and discretion handling confidential employee data; strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.