What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Payroll & Benefit Specialist position at Toyoda Gosei Americas?
Job Summary
The HR Specialist – Payroll & Benefits supports and enhances the Human Resources function with a strong focus on payroll administration, benefits management, and employee relations. This role requires proven payroll expertise, a solid benefits background, and the ability to manage sensitive information while partnering effectively with employees, leadership, and external vendors.
Core Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Education
The HR Specialist – Payroll & Benefits supports and enhances the Human Resources function with a strong focus on payroll administration, benefits management, and employee relations. This role requires proven payroll expertise, a solid benefits background, and the ability to manage sensitive information while partnering effectively with employees, leadership, and external vendors.
Core Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources, or related field preferred
- 4 years of payroll experience required
- Professional HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred
- UKG experience preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and diplomatically with a wide variety of audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork
- Results-driven with high attention to detail and follow-up
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently and under pressure
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Ability to remain current with existing and new employment legislation
- Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll and required payroll reporting
- Calculate, audit, and input payroll data including wages, bonuses, taxes, garnishments, etc.
- Reconcile time and attendance records, including missed punches and paid personal leave
- Coordinate with payroll vendors to resolve payroll discrepancies
- Maintain HR systems and records to ensure accuracy, organization, and legal compliance
- Serve as liaison between corporate offices, insurance providers, and employees regarding benefit plans
- Administer benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and open enrollment processes
- Coordinate 401(k) plan administration including reporting, meetings, loans, rollovers, and distributions
- Manage unemployment claims and represent the company at unemployment hearings
- Serve as case manager for employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, short‑ and long‑term disability
- Coordinate all leave activity with third‑party vendors
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with employees across all shifts
- Respond to internal and external HR inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Prepare and deliver HR reports, metrics, and data as requested
- Document, track, and investigate employee relations concerns through timely closure
- In-person/office
- Approximately 95% office environment and 5% plant floor
- Support physical inventory process 1-2 Saturdays/year
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed