HR & Payroll Specialist

The Human Resources & Payroll Specialist will perform day-to-day operational duties of the Human Resource department performing routine tasks required to administer and execute Human Resource programs with a focus on, but not limited to: payroll, compensation, benefits, and leave; recruiting, disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance reviews; productivity, recognition, and overall employee engagement.

Payroll & HRIS Responsibilities

• End-to-End payroll processing, timekeeping, deductions, garnishments, multi-state taxation, bonuses/supplemental pay, year-end (W-2, 099, 1094 and 1095-C), off cycle runs and payroll calendars.
• Process biweekly and semi-monthly payrolls for US employees across multiple states, using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and timely execution. Respond to payroll-related inquiries and generate reports as needed.
• HRIS integrations and automation: Managing interfaces with timekeeping, finance, benefits carriers, and 401(k) providers; file formats (CSV, EDI 834), SFTP, and basic API concepts.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting: Root-cause analysis, resolving payroll discrepancies, and improving processes for accuracy and efficiency.
• Confidentiality and ethics: Handling PII/PHI securely and exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Continuous learning: Staying current on tax/regulatory updates, best practices, and system releases; pursuing relevant certifications (e.g., FPC/CPP/CPS) as applicable.
• Fund 401(K), HSA and FSA contributions timely and accurately.
• Assist in the preparation of annual audits and ensure payroll vendor compliance with UI and state tax filings.
• System configuration, security/role management, workflows, position management, data imports, release management, and user support across core HCM modules.
• Data integrity and governance: Accurate employee data maintenance, audits, reconciliations, and preventing/repairing data defects across systems.
• Reporting and analytics: Building standard and ad-hoc reports, KPIs, and dashboards; proficiency with Excel (sort, filter, v-lookups, pivots, etc.)
• Project and time management: Prioritizing deadlines across parallel cycles, handling peak periods, and delivering on cross-functional initiatives.
  
  

HR Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding, new hire orientation, benefit enrollment, and the new hire and exit interview process, reporting on key findings and answering payroll and benefit questions.
• Manage leave of absence programs, including FMLA and parental leave in accordance with company policies.
• Support recruiting process using an applicant tracking database, manage job postings, conduct interviews, and extend offers. May attend job fairs.
• Manage employment branding in partnership with Marketing on job boards and social media sites.
• Complete pre- and post-employment screenings and onboarding.
• Assist with key HR processes, including project management, performance management, engagement and other HR programs within the organization.
• Provide guidance and support to business leaders through organization changes, growth, challenges and other key business matters.
• Initiate, track and manage independent contractor agreements, including signatures being secured, onboarding/offboarding and compliance with record retention guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Maintain employee files in accordance with employee confidentiality, policies and procedures, and all regulatory/accreditation requirements.
• May participate in additional projects, continuous improvement workshops, or other initiatives.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, human resources or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Payroll certification such as CPS/FPC/CPP a plus.
• 3 years of experience with payroll, HRIS and general HR, must include direct experience in end-to-end payroll processing.
• Process high-volume payroll for US employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local, state, federal and international regulations.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) preferred but will consider those with other payroll and HRIS platform experiences.
• Experience with HRIS and ATS systems.
• Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite and Outlook.
• Experience posting jobs, managing applicant flow and employment branding on social media sites.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing activities.
• Strong, professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The use of standard office equipment/computer/smart phone
• Minimal level of physical work with lifting up to 15 lbs required
• The work environment is an (office) with a (low/average) noise level
• Minimal travel but may be required on occasion for job fairs or to support other locations
  
  

Benefits

Flexible Hybrid Schedule with a core office day on Wednesdays at HQ in Lincolnshire, IL

• Additional days may be required on occasion to support the needs of the business.
  
  

Laptop and any necessary equipment to perform the duties required

Monthly technology stipend

Professional development support - Tuition reimbursement program

BCBS Medical, Dental, Vision with employee premiums

Company provided life insurance and short and long-term disability programs

401k with generous company match and immediate vesting

PTO policy that starts accruing upon hire up to a maximum level based on tenure and does not expire

9 Holidays, 3 Floaters and a 4-day Winter Closure between Christmas and New Year

1 Paid Volunteer Day annually

Donate a PTO Day program for colleagues in need

3 Weeks Paid Parental Leave after 12-months of employment for birth, adoption or foster placement

Company Description

95 Percent Group is a leader in literacy instruction for pre-K through grade 8 across the U.S.  The company offers professional development training for teachers and administrators as well as print and online products to assist teachers with literacy instruction. 95 Percent Group’s comprehensive educational consulting, professional development, diagnostic assessments, and instructional materials help schools deliver instruction that consistently and significantly increase reading achievement.

The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Lincolnshire, IL (northwest suburban Chicago). Its customers are primarily school districts across the U.S., and they are served by consultants who travel for on-site training as well as through online training. 

95 Percent Group has a fully engaged and highly committed leadership team who cares deeply about our mission.  We’ve hired the best from inside and outside the industry. This is a tremendous opportunity to join a company positioned for continued growth. An added plus is knowing that what you’re doing every day is making a significant difference in children’s lives. Come work with a group of smart, fun, passionate professionals who value creativity, innovation, and making an impact.  

95 Percent Group, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.