HR/PAYROLL SPECIALIST

HR/Payroll Specialist

As an HR and Payroll Specialist at Milner, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the day-to-day human resources operations while ensuring accurate and timely multi-state payroll processing. This role oversees the full employee life cycle including recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and offboarding. Responsibilities also include payroll processing, payroll reporting, payroll tax registrations, and resolving payroll issues. This position serves as a key point of contact for employee inquiries related to HR policies, benefits, and compensation while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws and company policies.

Human Resources

• Post job requisitions, prepare and issue offer letters, order background checks, and schedule drug screenings.
• Complete onboarding activities, including new hire orientation, I-9 verification, and conducting 30-60-90-day follow-up interviews.
• Support performance management processes and employee relations matters.
• Set up and maintain employees in the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Process employee status changes including promotions, transfers, and compensation updates.
• Serve as a resource for providing guidance on HR policies, procedures and workplace concerns.
• Assist in compliance activities related to Fleet Management, GA Intrastate Motor Carrier Registration, scheduling DOT physicals, and coordinate authorized drivers with insurance companies and report claims as needed.
• Complete employment verifications.
• Process employee termination paperwork and unemployment notices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Prepare HR reports and metrics as requested.

Payroll

• Process end-to-end semi-monthly payroll including data input, validation, reconciliation and reporting.
• Review and verify payroll change authorization forms; update employee records for compensation changes including merit increases, bonuses and commissions.
• Verify timesheets and collaborate with managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Process wage garnishments, child support orders and other required deductions.
• Maintain and accurately update expense management system.
• Process multi-state payroll tax rate registrations and ensure compliance with federal and state tax and local regulations.
• Coordinate payroll-related reporting and audits with finance department.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure payroll system is updated accurately and timely.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollments, changes and payroll deduction accuracy, and approve new hire benefit enrollments.
• Respond to employee inquiries and resolve benefits related issues, escalating as needed.
• Monitor employee terminations, approve COBRA qualifying events, explain portability/conversion options.
• Review and update Qualifying Life Event changes ensuring proper documentation.
• Review and reconcile monthly benefit plan invoices for payment.
• Support Workers' Compensation administration, report incidents to insurance carriers, maintain OSHA logs and reporting and audit requirements.
• Track and administer leave of absences including FMLA and Short-Term Disability (STD) ensuring proper documentation and certifications, following up with employees during leave.
• Approve 401(k) salary deferrals and loan repayments, review and approve distribution and loan requests for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment.

Education, Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in HR, payroll, or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and HR best practices.
• Familiarity with HRIS and payroll software (e.g., Paylocity or similar systems)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM, PHR).
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Knowledge of labor laws and compliance requirements.

Working Conditions

• Office-based work environment.
• May require extended hours during payroll cycles or audits.

Special Requirements

• Employee must complete required courses as described by Human Resources for all employees.
• This description presents the major responsibilities required for this job title. May require the performance of additional duties as assigned.