HR & Payroll Generalist

HR & Payroll Generalist

We are seeking a detail-oriented, high-integrity HR & Payroll Generalist to own our end-to-end payroll processing, core HR administration, and compliance audits. In a publicly traded environment of 130 employees, you will be the bridge between human resources and finance. You will ensure our people are supported, our data is flawless, and our processes strictly adhere to public company regulatory standards (including SOX compliance).

Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Management & Administration (~40%)

• End-to-End Processing: Own the bi-weekly payroll lifecycle for ~130 salaried and hourly employees using ADP Workforce Now.
• Data Integrity: Manage standard and one-off payroll adjustments, including new hires, terminations, promotions, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, and retroactive pay.
• Time & Attendance: Review and reconcile timecard approvals, ensuring accurate overtime calculations and paid time off (PTO) tracking.
• Tax & Reporting: Oversee multi-state payroll tax compliance, year-end W-2 reconciliation, and ad-hoc payroll reporting for the finance team.

2. HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle (~35%)

• Onboarding & Offboarding: Facilitate a seamless onboarding experience (background checks, I-9 verification, hardware coordination) and manage offboarding logistics (exit interviews, final pay compliance).
• Benefits & Leaves: Assist with annual open enrollment, day-to-day benefits administration, and tracking of FMLA/disability leaves.
• Employee Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and company policies.
• HRIS Maintenance: Maintain the absolute accuracy of the HRIS database, ensuring all employee records are up to date and strictly confidential.

3. Audits & Public Company Compliance (~15%)

• SOX Controls: Maintain and execute strict internal HR/Payroll controls to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
• Audit Readiness: Serve as the primary HR contact for internal and external auditors; pull reports, compile samples, and provide documentation for quarterly reviews and year-end audits.
• Regulatory Filings: Ensure compliance and timely filings for EEO-1, 401(k) non-discrimination testing, 5500s, and workers' compensation audits.
• Policy Enforcement: Keep company handbooks and HR policies aligned with evolving federal, state, and local labor laws.

4. Talent Acquisition (~10%)

• Job REQS: Partner directly with hiring managers to review job specifications, craft compelling descriptions, and align on sourcing strategies.
• Recruitment: Manage the full-cycle recruitment process for select entry-to-mid level roles, including resume screening, introductory phone interviews, interview coordination, and reference checks

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 35+ years of progressive HR and payroll experience.
• Public Company Background: Direct experience working within a publicly traded company, with a solid understanding of SOX compliance and audit workflows, is highly preferred.
• Payroll Expertise: Hands-on experience managing multi-state payroll for 100+ employees.
• Tech Savvy: Advanced proficiency with HRIS/Payroll platforms (e.g., ADP Workforce Now) and intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills.
• Discretion: Proven ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential financial and personal data with absolute integrity.
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll or benefits concepts to employees clearly and empathetically.