Human Resource Specialist

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

We are seeking a highly organized and knowledgeable HR Specialist to support and manage key HR functions including Payroll, Benefits Administration, Leave of Absence (LOA) Management, and Compliance. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate payroll processing, effective benefits delivery, compliant HR practices, and a positive employee experience during leaves of absence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Payroll Administration

• Process and audit bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Maintain payroll records and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Finance and HR teams for payroll reporting and reconciliation.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
• Serve as a primary contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and manage vendor relationships.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Manage all types of employee leaves (FMLA, ADA, personal, parental, etc.) from initiation through return-to-work.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws and internal policies.
• Communicate with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to ensure a smooth leave process.

Compliance

• Ensure HR practices comply with all applicable employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA).
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and compliance.

General HR Support

• Assist with onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity and generate reports as needed.
• Participate in HR projects and initiatives that support continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in (Human Resources, Business Administration or related field and a minimum of 4 years’ relevant human resources experience including payroll and benefits administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Professional certification (CCP, CEBS, PHR or SHRM-CP) strongly preferred.
• Experience with UKG Pro and Workforce Management a plus

COMPETENCIES:

• Provide a remarkable client experience.
• Lead by example. Identify current or potential problems, take ownership and see them through to resolution.
• Act as a unified team. Possess strong interpersonal skills including the ability to proactively communicate with and help others, within and across departments.
• Ability to work independently. Seek and incorporate feedback on your performance from management, coworkers and clients.
• Must be a team player, willing to learn and support others
• Solid knowledge of relative laws (§125, ERISA, HIPAA, Wage & Hour, FLSA, etc.)
• Strong communication skills including the ability to explain complex issues in laymen’s terms.
• Demonstrated O365 literacy including intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must consistently produce high degree of accuracy
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with sensitivity, tact and discretion.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and well organized.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The work environment is an indoor and climate-controlled office environment.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Genesee Regional Bank is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME