HR GENERALIST, PAYROLL & HR OPERATIONS

HR Generalist, Payroll & HR Operations

At Watkins Associated Industries, we are committed to talent development and helping employees expand their capabilities as the Human Resources profession continues to evolve. This role provides opportunities to develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills through exposure to HR systems, reporting, process improvement, workflow automation, and technology initiatives while continuing to build expertise across payroll, benefits, onboarding, compliance, employee support, and HR operations. We're looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and comfortable with technology. Prior automation or AI experience is not required; however, successful candidates will possess strong analytical skills, technical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to learn new systems, identify issues, evaluate available information, and recommend practical solutions. Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000 What You'll Do

As the HR Generalist, Payroll & HR Operations, you will support a variety of Human Resources functions, including:

HR Operations

• Maintain employee records, HR files, and documentation.
• Coordinate onboarding, employee changes, transfers, and terminations.
• Support training administration and routine compliance activities.
• Respond to routine employee and manager questions regarding HR policies and processes.
• Track HR initiatives and tasks, communicate status updates and reminders, and provide support or escalation as needed.

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll accurately and within established deadlines.
• Validate payroll inputs, reports, deductions, and supporting documentation.
• Research payroll discrepancies and coordinate corrections.
• Maintain payroll records and support quarterly reconciliations, year-end processing, government reporting, and audit requirements.
• Maintain and troubleshoot payroll and timekeeping functions within the HRIS.

Benefits Administration Support

• Support routine benefits administration activities.
• Assist with Open Enrollment communications, meetings, employee support, and enrollment follow-up.
• Answer routine benefits questions and assist with life-event changes and enrollments.
• Support benefits-related documentation, audits, reporting, and reconciliations.

HRIS, Reporting & Technical Support

• Run recurring and ad hoc HR reports.
• Validate system data and reporting accuracy.
• Assist with data validation, troubleshooting, testing, and documentation.
• Support HR systems and technology initiatives.

Process Improvement & Automation Support

• Participate in workflow improvement initiatives.
• Support testing, documentation, and validation of automated processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.
• Assist with emerging technology initiatives as they are implemented.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in Human Resources, Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits Administration, HRIS, or a related field.
• Experience working with confidential employee information.
• Experience using HR, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, or other business systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking and technical aptitude.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Payroll processing experience.
• Benefits administration experience.
• HRIS experience, including reporting and data management.
• UKG Pro experience.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives or workflow enhancements.

This is a 5 day in office role, we do not offer hybrid schedules.

Travel Required

No.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.