What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Specialist and HR Assistant position at Fernelius Auto Group?
Payroll & HR Specialist
Fernelius Auto Group | Cheboygan, Michigan
Fernelius Auto Group — home to Fernelius Toyota, Fernelius CDJR, Fernelius Ford, Fernelius Hyundai and our Collision Center — is growing, and we're looking for a detail-driven Payroll & HR Specialist to help us build out the people-side infrastructure supporting our team across all three locations.
About Us
Fernelius Auto Group has been a trusted name in Northern Michigan automotive sales and service for decades. As we continue to expand our operations and invest in our team, we're building a stronger HR and payroll function to match — and we want someone who takes pride in getting the details right.
What You'll Do
- Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time across multiple departments (sales, service, technicians, F&I, and support staff), including flat-rate, hourly, and commission-based pay structures
- Maintain and administer compensation plans, including pay plan documentation for service advisors, technicians, and F&I staff
- Ensure compliance with Michigan wage and hour law, including FLSA classifications, PTO accrual (Michigan ESTA), and overtime rules
- Own core HR administrative functions: new hire onboarding, employment verification letters, personnel files, and dealer plate/licensing paperwork
- Support policy development and documentation, including handbooks, attire/uniform policies, and standard operating procedures
- Assist with benefits administration and open enrollment
- Maintain accurate, audit-ready HR and payroll records across all Fernelius locations
- Serve as a point of contact for employee questions regarding pay, time off, and policy
- Support leadership with reporting on labor costs, headcount, and compensation benchmarking
What We're Looking For
- 2 years of payroll and/or HR experience (dealership or multi-location retail/service environment strongly preferred)
- Working knowledge of Michigan employment law, wage and hour regulations, and PTO/leave compliance
- Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms
- Strong Excel skills; comfort working with variable pay structures (commission, flat rate, tiered plans)
- High attention to detail and a commitment to confidentiality
- Clear, professional communication skills — comfortable interfacing with employees and leadership alike
- Automotive dealership experience a plus, but not required
Why Fernelius
- Family-owned, growth-minded dealer group with deep Northern Michigan roots
- Competitive pay, benefits, and a stable, supportive team environment
Location: Cheboygan, MI Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person