Payroll & Benefits Generalist

Position Summary
This role supports all three of our organizations: Great States Construction, Great States Development, and Collective, offering a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a broad impact across the construction, real estate development, and property management sectors.
The HR Generalist leads day-to-day payroll and benefits administration across multiple entities and serves as the primary point of contact for both functions, including ownership of all payroll- and benefits-related onboarding and offboarding tasks. Beyond payroll and benefits, this role provides foundational support across employee relations, compliance, recruiting, and partnering with the Human Resources Manager on department-wide initiatives. The HR Generalist reports directly to the Human Resources Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration (Lead)
Lead end-to-end payroll administration and serve as the primary point of contact for all payroll inquiries
Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll accurately and on time
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, reimbursements, deductions, and commissions
Own all payroll-related onboarding and offboarding tasks, including new hire setup, compensation changes, and final pay coordination
Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal and state retention requirements
Reconcile payroll reports, resolve discrepancies, and conduct routine payroll audits
Generate standard and ad-hoc payroll reports and partner with accounting on reporting and reconciliations
Administer garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies
Support payroll tax filings and audits; ensure timely preparation and distribution of annual W-2s
Benefits Administration (Lead)
Serve as the primary point of contact for all employee benefits inquiries and issue resolution
Partner with the HR Manager to administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, and FSA plans
Own all benefits-related onboarding and offboarding tasks, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and benefit terminations in applicable systems
Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit deductions through payroll
Partner with HR Manager, brokers, and benefit vendors on plan administration, escalations, and ongoing service needs
Support annual open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communication
Maintain accurate benefits records and data integrity across HRIS and benefits platforms; reconcile monthly benefit invoices with accounting
Employee Relations & Culture (Support)
Support employee engagement, recognition, and culture-building initiatives across all entities
Assist with company events, employee communications, and the new hire onboarding experience
Refer employee relations concerns, complaints, and conflicts to the HR Manager
Compliance (Support)
Maintain accurate personnel files, I-9 documentation, and required recordkeeping
Assist with labor law posting requirements, policy acknowledgments, and handbook administration
Support internal and external audit preparation and HR reporting requirements
Recruiting (Support)
Post open positions, conduct phone screens, schedule interviews, and coordinate candidate communications
Coordinate background checks, offer logistics, and pre-employment steps
Support a smooth handoff from hiring into onboarding
Qualifications
Associate's degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, or a related field OR equivalent experience
2+ years leading end-to-end payroll administration required
Sales/commissions payroll administration experience required
Multi-state payroll experience preferred
Benefits administration experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Strong knowledge of payroll laws and compliance requirements
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
Proficient in HRIS platforms (BambooHR preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Excel
Benefits and Perks
Health, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
Supplementary insurance
Eligibility the first of the month following 30 days
401(k) with a 3% match
Flexible time off with 9 paid holidays
Paid volunteer hours
Professional development opportunities
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift and/or move 20 pounds
Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Work Environment
This position requires regular office hours (8 am – 5 pm, Monday–Friday) along with availability for emergency situations outside of regular office hours.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment type
Salary

Work arrangement
No