People Operations Specialist

Job Title: People Operations Specialist (only local applicants will be considered) Role Overview The People Operations Specialist is the execution arm of the People function, carrying out the day-to-day operational work of payroll, HRIS administration, benefits, and compliance under the direction of the Chief People Officer, who owns these areas and leads the transition from a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to in-house infrastructure. This is a hands-on, detail-driven role for someone who processes accurately, keeps systems and records clean, and supports the CPO in standing up and running in-house People Operations. Core Responsibilities HRIS Administration & Data Administer and maintain the HRIS day to day - employee records, position and org data, workflows, and data integrity - under CPO direction. Process new hires, status changes, and terminations in the system; run standard and ad hoc reports. Support HRIS configuration, testing, and data migration from the PEO and legacy systems during implementation. Payroll Processing Process end-to-end payroll across all pay groups and jurisdictions - timekeeping intake, earnings, deductions, garnishments, and final pay. Prepare payroll tax filings, registrations, and remittances (federal, state, local) and year-end W-2/1099 processing for CPO review. Reconcile payroll with Finance and resolve discrepancies; help ensure FLSA, wage-and-hour, and multi-state pay accuracy. Compliance Support Maintain state tax and unemployment registrations, required postings, and recordkeeping across operating jurisdictions. Prepare mandated filings (EEO-1, ACA) and administer I-9/E-Verify; support workers' compensation and unemployment claim administration. Track compliance deadlines and elevate issues and regulatory changes to the CPO. Benefits Administration Administer health, welfare, and retirement plans - enrollments, life events, eligibility, COBRA, and carrier feeds. Support open enrollment and the transition of benefits from the PEO's master plans to company-sponsored plans; answer employee questions. Maintain process documentation and standard operating procedures. Coordinate day to day with payroll, benefits, and HR-technology vendors; prepare HR and payroll reports and support audit-readiness. Key Requirements & Skills Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Accounting, or related field, or equivalent experience. 3+ years of hands-on HR operations, payroll, and/or HRIS experience. Experience processing multi-state payroll and administering benefits; familiarity with payroll tax and employment-law requirements. Proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms (e.g., Paycor, ADP, Paylocity, UKG) and strong spreadsheet skills. High attention to detail, strong organization, and discretion with confidential information. Preferred Qualifications Payroll certification (FPC/CPP) Experience supporting a PEO-to-in-house transition or an HRIS implementation. #J-18808-Ljbffr