Associate, HR

Position Title: Associate, HR & Payroll Administration

Location: Hybrid in Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC or Grand Rapids, MI

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Overview:

Highstreet Insurance Partners (Highstreet) is one of the fastest-growing insurance agencies in the U.S. Founded with the mindset of putting people first, Highstreet brings technical expertise and industry experience together to serve and protect customers while providing agencies with the tools and resources to grow. We love to help people pursue life's opportunities with tenacity and confidence to create stronger, more resilient communities. We do it for all our futures.

Role Overview:

The role requires a seasoned payroll professional with expertise in managing complex payroll processes, maintaining compliance and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of payroll functions processing payroll for 200+ employees.

As a trusted partner to both our internal teams and agency partners, you will ensure smooth payroll processing, maintain compliant and accurate payroll records, troubleshoot payroll related issues and provide key reports to support data-driven decisions. Success in this role will require building strong relationships, problem solving and a focus on continuous improvement of our payroll and HR systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Accurately prepare, process and review bi-weekly payroll for Highstreet employees.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies, including missed deductions, direct deposit errors and the processing of manual paychecks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax codes, benefit deductions (e.g., 401(k), health insurance) and other payroll-related items.
• Oversee the administration of employees paid time off (PTO) balances and policies to ensure consistency and compliance.

Audit & Record Maintenance

• Regularly audit and verify payroll data, employee information and benefit contributions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date and compliant records for all payroll transactions and employee documentation.
• Conduct detailed audits on employee pay, deductions and tax filings as necessary.
• Assist with payroll tax registrations as needed.

Payroll Reporting

• Prepare comprehensive payroll reports, including census, verification and auditing reports, to provide critical insights to management and stakeholders.

Employee and Agency Partner Support and Issue Resolution

• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, addressing employee questions and resolving issues related to pay, deductions and benefits.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve concerns on behalf of agency partners.
• Onboard and train new users on time and attendance systems and benefits systems ensuring seamless onboarding process and proficiency in system usage.
• Provide timely and effective solutions to payroll discrepancies, ensuring excellent customer service and support for employees.

System Optimization & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with the team to continuously optimize payroll-related processes and improve system functionality within the HRIS platform (Paycor).
• Identify opportunities for greater efficiency and accuracy in payroll operations and implement best practices.
• Assist with system enhancements, updates and testing to ensure payroll systems are aligned with business needs.

Garnishments & Unemployment Claims

• Oversee and manage garnishments and unemployment claims for regional employees and agency partners, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in payroll administration, including experience with HRIS systems. Paycor experience is preferred.
• Experience in multi-state payroll processing is preferred.

Education

• Associate's degree in business, accounting or a related field; or equivalent professional certification (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional).

Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, tax regulations and compliance standards.
• Exceptional attention to detail, mathematical accuracy and analytical skills.
• Solid understanding of payroll related benefits, deductions and compliance (e.g., 401(k), PTO, garnishments).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and resolve payroll related issues quickly and effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity & Confidentiality: Demonstrates high ethical standards and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Team-Oriented & Collaborative: A proactive team player who values collaboration and fosters strong relationships with employees and agency partners.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Possesses a keen eye for detail and takes pride in ensuring payroll is processed accurately and in full compliance.
• Problem Solver: Solution-focused with the ability to quickly identify and resolve payroll issues or discrepancies.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Positive Attitude & Adaptability: Approaches challenges with a positive mindset and demonstrates flexibility in handling changing priorities and responsibilities.

Work Environment

• Hybrid Work at the location
• Open, collaborative office environment that promotes teamwork and communication.
• Occasional travel (less than 10%).

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position as described above.

If you are a highly skilled payroll professional with a passion for accuracy and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply and join a dynamic, growing company that values its employees and partners. Together we can drive success and create stronger, more resilient communities.