Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About Hanwha Futureproof Hanwha Futureproof is the U.S. investment platform of the Hanwha Group, focused on accelerating innovation across renewable energy, climate technology, and sustainable infrastructure. We partner with visionary companies to help build a more sustainable future. As a lean, high-impact organization with fewer than 10 employees , we value collaboration, ownership, and operational excellence. Every team member plays a meaningful role across multiple functions, working closely with senior leadership in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. We are seeking an experienced Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations Specialist who enjoys taking ownership, building efficient processes, and contributing to a people-first culture. Position Summary Reporting directly to the Head of Human Resources , this position serves as a key member of the HR team responsible for payroll administration, benefits management, and day-to-day HR operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. This individual will take ownership of critical HR operational processes while partnering closely with Finance, external vendors, and business leaders to ensure accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and a best-in-class employee experience. Key Responsibilities Payroll Administration Own the full-cycle payroll process for multi-state U.S. employees using a cloud-based payroll system (ADP Workforce Now preferred) Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including new hires, promotions, bonuses, commissions, leave adjustments, and terminations Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting while partnering closely with the Finance team Coordinate year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing and payroll tax reporting Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related employee inquiries Benefits Administration Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k) Partner with insurance brokers and benefit vendors to ensure efficient program administration and service delivery Manage benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, COBRA, and vendor billing reconciliations Lead annual Open Enrollment activities including employee communications and education Respond to employee benefit questions while delivering a high-quality employee experience HR Operations Support recruitment coordination, interview scheduling, offer administration, and onboarding activities Maintain employee records and HRIS data integrity Coordinate I-9 verification, E-Verify, and employment documentation compliance Support U.S. immigration processes (H-1B, E-2, TN, OPT, etc.) by coordinating documentation with outside immigration counsel Assist with employee lifecycle processes including promotions, transfers, leaves of absence, and offboarding Prepare HR reports, dashboards, and workforce analytics as needed Process Improvement & Compliance Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, workflows, and operational efficiency Assist in developing and maintaining HR policies, SOPs, and internal controls Monitor changes in employment laws and recommend process updates to maintain compliance Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and HR compliance Partner with the Head of HR on strategic HR initiatives and special projects Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field 5+ years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, and HR operations Experience processing multi-state U.S. payroll Strong understanding of U.S. payroll tax regulations and employment compliance Hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now or comparable Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to manage highly confidential information with discretion Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Preferred Experience in startups, venture capital, private equity, or high-growth organizations Experience supporting U.S. employment-based immigration programs Experience with HRIS implementation or process automation SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or CPP certification Experience supporting multi-state benefit administration Why Join Hanwha Futureproof? Be part of a rapidly growing investment platform focused on renewable energy and climate innovation Work directly with senior leadership and contribute to building scalable HR operations Gain broad exposure across Payroll, Benefits, HR Operations, Compliance, and People Strategy Opportunity to grow into broader People Operations, Total Rewards, or HR leadership roles Competitive compensation and performance bonus Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 401(k) with company match Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays Professional development and career growth opportunities Diversity and Inclusion: Hanwha believes that diversity and inclusion are vital to our success. We believe that by embracing different ideas and approaches, we enhance our ability to deliver the best results for our employees, our environment, and ultimately our business partners and customers. We foster a culture where all colleagues are able to share their passions and ideas in order that we may collectively embrace and overcome the challenges in our industry, and work toward a brighter future. Hanwha is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr