Payroll and HRIS Specialist

Position Title: Specialist of Payroll and HRIS

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Interim VP of Human Resources & Senior Manager, Payroll & HRIS.

Location: Hybrid (In-person required for the first 90 days; hybrid schedule with remote days to be determined upon assessment)

Salary Range: $75,000–$80,000

Program Description

Project Renewal is seeking a detail-oriented Specialist of Payroll and HRIS to join the team supporting the agency’s payroll processing and HRIS data management. This position plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll operations, maintaining employee records, supporting HRIS functionality (Dayforce), and assisting with data reporting and compliance. The ideal candidate has 3–6 years of experience in payroll &/or HRIS, is highly organized, tech-savvy, and eager to grow in a fast-paced HR team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The essential duties of the Position include but are not limited to the following activities:

Payroll Support

• As part of the Payroll/HRIS team, work to prepare and verify biweekly payroll data in coordination with Senior Manager Payroll & HRIS, and Dayforce Managed Services.
• Review time entries, paid leave, overtime, and special pay requests.
• Enter off-cycle payments, deductions, and adjustments (e.g., PTO payout, reimbursements).
• Review payroll previews and flag discrepancies for review with Senior Manager Payroll & HRIS for correction prior to final commit.
• Address payroll inquiries from employees regarding pay stubs, tax withholdings, and deductions.
• Coordinate with Senior Manager Payroll & HRIS to communicate with Ceridian (Dayforce) on updates to payroll policies, benefits, and compliance changes.
• Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable laws and internal policies.
• Partner with Finance on payroll-related General Ledger entries, audits, and reporting.
  
  

HRIS Maintenance (Dayforce)

• Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS system (e.g., new hires, terminations, salary updates).
• Assist with system updates, testing, and implementations of new features or modules.
• Assist with file uploads, data feeds, and secure distribution to vendors.
• Run regular audits to maintain data integrity.
• Support system training for HR staff and managers when new updates are rolled out.
  
  

Reporting & Documentation

• Generate routine and ad-hoc HR and payroll reports to support decision-making & for accounting purposes.
• Creates custom reports to meet department and agency-wide reporting, audit and compliance requirements.
• Assist requesters in understanding and interpreting data generated from various reports, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
• Create and update SOPs for payroll and HRIS tasks.
• Support audit requests, compliance filings, and internal controls.
• Assist in distribution of W-2s, tax filings, and other payroll-related documentation as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in payroll and/or HRIS support.
• Experience with Dayforce or similar HRIS/payroll systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, timekeeping, and labor laws.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Comfortable with spreadsheets, data entry, and report generation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours/ holidays during payroll cycles or project deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, & Visio
  
  

Desired Attributes

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and customer service skills; provides clear, patient, and professional support on payroll and HRIS inquiries.
• Approaches work with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering timely and accurate results.
• Proactive team player who takes initiative, shows accountability, and is willing to pitch in wherever needed to support team goals.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a respectful communication style and the ability to build constructive relationships across departments.