HR Associate 3 - Payroll & Benefits

Position Summary

The HR Associate III (Payroll & Benefits) supports the administration of payroll and employee benefits programs by processing payroll transactions, maintaining employee records, responding to employee inquiries, and assisting with day-to-day benefits administration. Working within established procedures and guidelines, this role helps ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll and benefits activities while maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and a high level of customer service.

The HR Associate III collaborates with employees, managers, vendors, Finance, and Human Resources team members to support payroll and benefits operations, resolve routine issues, and contribute to an efficient and positive employee experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Administration (Primary Responsibility)

• Process the full payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution for all employee groups.
• Administer payroll-related employee transactions, including hires, terminations, pay changes, transfers, promotions, and leave-related payroll adjustments, in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, balancing activities, and payroll controls.
• Review and administer timekeeping records, identify discrepancies, and escalate or assist in resolving payroll errors, as appropriate.
• Follow established payroll procedures and support compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, wage and hour laws, and company policies.
• Respond to employee and manager payroll inquiries and escalate complex issues as appropriate.
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports, support year-end activities, and assist with audit documentation.
• Maintain payroll records, procedures, and documentation in accordance with established guidelines.
• Coordinate with Finance, HR and other stakeholders to support payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Provide input on payroll process improvements and assist with implementation of approved changes.

Benefits Administration Support (Secondary Responsibility)

• Administer routine benefits activities, including enrollments, qualifying life event changes, eligibility updates, and terminations, in accordance with established procedures.
• Respond to routine employee benefits questions and provide day-to-day support regarding benefit programs, enrollment processes, and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate benefit deductions and conduct regular payroll-to-benefit reconciliation reviews.
• Support open enrollment administration, employee communications, and enrollment processing activities.
• Assist with vendor file audits, carrier updates, and benefits reporting activities.
• Escalate complex benefit issues, leave matters, accommodation requests, and policy questions to the Benefits & Leave Manager.
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and support benefits data integrity within HR systems.

Operational Support

• Maintain accurate employee data within HRIS, payroll, and benefit systems, ensuring timely processing of employee changes.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll, benefits, and employee information.
• Prepare reporting, maintain process documentation, and assist with departmental process improvement initiatives.
• Cross-train with HR Operations team members, provide backup support, and assist with administrative and operational activities as needed.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• One or more years of experience in payroll administration, benefits administration, human resources, or a related HR operations function.
• Experience processing transactions, maintaining records, and working with confidential information in a professional environment.
• Basic knowledge of payroll and benefits administration practices and applicable company policies and procedures.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems such as Paylocity, Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar platforms.
• Experience in creating reports, analyzing HR data, and supporting process improvement initiatives preferred.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar) preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of payroll and benefits administration practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to a positive employee experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and work instructions
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and employee data management.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-directed with the ability to investigate issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to support process optimization initiatives.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, including frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and telephone.
• Frequent communication with employees, managers, and external partners in person, by phone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to move throughout office, manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, and other facility areas to support employee services and HR programs.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and carrying materials.
• Ability to occasionally lift and transport files, office supplies, presentation materials, or event-related items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to attend meetings, employee events, orientations, and training sessions, which may require extended periods of standing.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• Regular interaction with employees and business partners across corporate, manufacturing, laboratory, quality, and operational functions.
• May require periodic access to manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, and other operational areas, including cGMP-regulated environments, while adhering to company safety procedures, gowning requirements, and applicable policies.
• Fast-paced environment requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, confidential matters, and changing business needs.
• Exposure to varying noise levels and environmental conditions when visiting operational areas.
• Occasional support of employee engagement activities, training programs, audits, inspections, onboarding events, and other HR initiatives outside of standard business hours.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Target Bonus

5%

Work Location:

East Syracuse, NY

New York Pay Range 25.48 - 36.89 USD