People Operations Specialist

Office Location: Lower Manhattan, NY (4 days per week in the office) Accrete builds Knowledge Engine products that combine organizational context, human expertise, and specialized agents for consequential work across enterprises and national security. Accrete AI is a dynamic and innovative company focused on transforming the future of artificial intelligence. We specialize in creating advanced AI solutions that turn complex data into actionable insights, driving real-world impact for businesses and government organizations. Our team thrives on creativity and collaboration, working together to push the boundaries of AI technology. At the core of our offerings are AI agents—autonomous systems that analyze multimodal data, generate insights, and make intelligent recommendations. These agents help businesses streamline operations, improve decision‑making, and empower government entities to enhance security, intelligence, and operational efficiency. As Accrete continues to scale, we are looking for a People Operations Specialist to help build and maintain the people infrastructure that supports a growing organization. This is a hands‑on role with significant responsibility across benefits administration, People compliance, People Operations, and policy administration . The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of People practices and employment requirements and can operate independently in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment. You should be comfortable interpreting regulations, identifying risk, and making sure our people programs and processes are accurate, compliant, and well executed. What You’ll Do People Operations & Compliance Ensure People policies, processes, and practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Monitor changes in employment legislation and regulatory requirements and assess their impact on company policies and practices. Partner with People leadership and legal counsel on employment compliance matters and policy updates. Maintain accurate employee records and ensure People documentation is complete, consistent, and compliant. Support audits, reporting requirements, and employment‑related documentation. Help develop, implement, and improve People policies, procedures, and internal controls as the company scales. Identify gaps or potential compliance risks and recommend practical solutions. Benefits Administration Own day‑to‑day administration of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), and other company‑sponsored programs. Serve as a primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits questions, eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, and changes in coverage. Manage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and third‑party administrators. Coordinate annual open enrollment with benefits brokers and ensure employees receive accurate and timely information. Reconcile benefit eligibility and enrollment data and resolve discrepancies. Support benefits compliance requirements, including required notices, documentation, and reporting. Evaluate benefits administration processes and identify opportunities to improve the employee experience and operational efficiency. People Systems & Data Maintain accurate employee information within the company's HRIS and related People systems. Ensure employee lifecycle transactions, including onboarding, transfers, promotions, leave, benefits changes, and offboarding, are completed accurately. Build and maintain People reports and data used for headcount planning, benefits, compliance, and management reporting. Identify opportunities to automate or streamline People processes as the company grows. Partner with Finance, Payroll, Legal, and other internal teams to ensure accurate and timely People Operations. Employee Lifecycle Support the employee lifecycle from onboarding through offboarding, ensuring a consistent and compliant experience. Oversee onboarding documentation, benefits enrollment, employment paperwork, and related processes. Support leave administration and employee accommodations in partnership with appropriate internal and external resources. Manage offboarding processes, including benefits termination, documentation, and coordination with Payroll and other stakeholders. What We’re Looking For 3–5 years of progressive People Operations experience , with significant hands‑on responsibility across People Operations and compliance. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations . Deep experience administering employee benefits and working directly with benefits brokers and carriers. Strong understanding of areas such as FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO requirements, wage and hour regulations, leave administration, and employee classification. Experience supporting People compliance across multiple jurisdictions and states, particularly New York and New York City . Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment. Strong understanding of People policies, documentation, recordkeeping, and employment practices. Experience working with an HRIS and maintaining accurate employee data. Strong analytical and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interpret complex People and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business processes. Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and operate effectively in a high‑growth environment. High level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a high‑growth technology, AI, SaaS, or venture‑backed company . Experience administering and improving employee benefits programs , including medical, dental, vision, retirement, leave, and other employee benefit offerings. Experience supporting organizations through rapid headcount growth. Experience partnering closely with legal counsel on employment matters. Experience with Rippling or a similar modern HRIS/payroll platform. Experience developing or improving People policies and compliance programs from the ground up. Salary Range: $90,000–$120,000 The salary range provided reflects the estimated compensation for this role based on the expected qualifications and experience level. The final offer may vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements. Core Values & Expectations Impact You take full ownership and accountability for your work, consistently seeing projects through from inception to completion with a strong bias for action. Proactively identifying challenges, you drive solutions rather than waiting for direction, and hold yourself and others to the highest standards for delivering results. With strategic thinking and a problem‑solving mindset, you make informed decisions leveraging data and expertise, always looking for ways to improve processes, optimize workflows, and enhance outcomes beyond your immediate responsibilities. Collaboration You work seamlessly across teams, prioritizing shared goals and team success over individual credit. Engaged listening and open, candid communication are at the heart of your approach, ensuring alignment and synergy throughout the organization. You value diverse perspectives, seeking input from others to drive better results. By treating colleagues with respect and professionalism, you help build a culture of trust, supporting each other through challenges, celebrating successes, and constructively addressing conflicts to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes. Passion for AI & Innovation You are deeply excited about the transformative potential of AI and committed to contributing to a company shaping the future of work. With curiosity and a growth mindset, you continuously seek to learn, adapt, and stay at the forefront of new developments. Your enthusiasm for innovation drives you to explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and find creative solutions that deliver meaningful impact. You approach your work with energy and a desire to advance both technology and the way we work. Company Benefits Competitive Salary: Aligned with experience and market standards Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family 401(k) Plan: Build your financial future with our retirement savings plan Growth & Development: Access professional learning opportunities and career advancement support Onsite Perks: Enjoy catered lunches, snacks, and a fully stocked kitchen Team Bonding: Company-sponsored happy hours and social events to connect and unwind Accrete is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender #J-18808-Ljbffr