HR Administrator - Payroll

The HR Administrator is a detail-oriented HR professional responsible for supporting the day-to-day execution of Human Resources operations, with an expanded focus on payroll administration and coordination. This role partners closely with Total Rewards, Accounting, and HR leadership to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant administration across the employee lifecycle.

The HR Admin plays a critical role in delivering a high-quality employee experience by ensuring operational excellence across onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, HRIS data integrity, and employee records management. This position supports internal controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance while serving as a trusted first point of contact for employees on HR and payroll-related matters.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Payroll Administration & Coordination

• Execute biweekly payroll processing in partnership with Total Rewards and Accounting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to payroll schedules.
• Process new hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, garnishments, and off-cycle payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll system controls, documentation, and processing calendars to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations; research and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Support year-end payroll activities, filings, and audit requests in coordination with accounting and external vendors.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee payroll questions, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Maintain employment and payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and company requirements.

HR Operations & Administrative Support

• Respond to employee HR and payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and a high level of service.
• Process HR-related invoices, P-Card transactions, and vendor payments.
• Support HR-led events, training, wellness initiatives, and internal communications.
• Maintain HR calendars and provide administrative support to HR leadership as needed.
• Coordinate employment verifications, unemployment claims, and separation documentation.
• Act as point of contact for all things related to payroll and intranet administrator for MN Cares

Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle Administration

• Execute new hire onboarding following offer acceptance, including HRIS setup and payroll readiness.
• Ensure completion, accuracy, and retention of all required employment and compliance documentation.
• Process employee lifecycle changes including promotions, transfers, status changes, leaves, and terminations.
• Coordinate orientation logistics and support employees with HR policy, payroll, and process questions.

HRIS, Data Integrity & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS (Paylocity), ensuring data integrity across payroll, benefits, and employment records.
• Prepare and maintain routine HR and payroll reports related to headcount, compensation changes, compliance, and audits.
• Support process improvements, system updates, and workflow documentation related to payroll and HR
• Support compliance efforts related to wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, benefits administration, and audits.

Benefits & Total Rewards Support

• Support benefits enrollment and changes, including new hire enrollment and qualifying life events.
• Liaise between employees, carriers, and vendors to resolve routine benefits and payroll-related issues.
• Assist with open enrollment activities, benefits communications, and wellness initiatives.
• Support Workers’ Compensation administration, including claim intake, documentation, and coordination with vendors.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Exceptional organizational and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to deliver a high-touch employee experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain payroll and HR concepts clearly.
• Proficiency in Excel (reports, reconciliations, basic formulas) and comfort working with HRIS and payroll systems.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in HR operation supports, and payroll administration
• Working knowledge of payroll processes, HRIS systems, and benefits administration.
• Experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll platforms preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy in a deadline-driven, compliance-focused environment.