Location: Chautauqua,NY, USA
DescriptionAbout the OpportunityThe Human Resources & Payroll Associate is an opportunity for an early career professional in Human Resources to apply their education and develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities within the human resources function. The HR Associate supports the Senior Director of Human Resources, the Payroll & Benefits Manager, and the broader HR team in delivering department functions and project management to provide an employee experience that defines Chautauqua as an ‘employer of choice.'About Your WorkPayroll & BenefitsAs directed by the Payroll & Benefits Manager and in coordination with the payroll vendor, Managed Services with UKG, perform designated tasks to support payroll processing, particularly during a high-volume seasonal payroll. After a defined training period, serve as a trained secondary processor for designated payrolls and events requiring planned coverage or in response to emergencies.Must have a basic understanding of Excel, including data entry and the ability to use formulas to assist in payroll processing and reporting.Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant wage payments for employees, including ensuring established approvals, checks/balances, documentation, reconciliation, and records in support of payroll activities.Coordinate between payroll and UKG's end-users (employees, managers) to ensure accurate scheduling, appropriate access/utilization of time clocks, submission of payroll uploads/spreadsheets, and timely and consistent time approvals to guarantee readiness for payroll processing by the established deadline. Prioritize required changes/resolve issues to ensure accurate payroll.Balance designated payroll accounts by resolving discrepancies before transmission to the bank.Deliver timely financial reports related to Payroll and Benefits and provide payroll financial data upon request from management or the finance team.As directed by the Payroll & Benefits Manager, supports benefits education, enrollment, and annual open enrollment cycle through collaboration with the HR team, benefits vendors, and within the HRIS/UKG.Rely on core competencies of ethics, integrity, and trust as a payroll professional and adhere to policies and procedures requiring the strictest confidentiality of employment records, payroll, and other related information within Human Resources and, as appropriate, Finance.Onboarding & OrientationAs part of the HR Employee Experience team, responsibility will include the onboarding and orientation process for all employees, including managing a significant influx of seasonal hires (over 1,600) from January to June, in alignment with HR's strategic objectives and goals.Learns and supports HR's onboarding/orientation processes and procedures to ensure an employee experience that aligns with Chautauqua's workplace culture and candidate expectations.Uses the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), UKG, and other HR technology solutions to manage candidate onboarding stages and milestones, including follow-ups, ensuring a positive employee experience and efficient onboarding to productivity for employees and managers.Subject matter expert in UKG's Onboarding Gateway, providing technical support to candidates and managers navigating onboarding tasks, including I-9/E-Verify, online training, and submission of documents to maintain full compliance with federal and state labor laws and HR record-keeping requirements.Accurate data entry to ensure HRIS is a single source of truth for data and have a functional understanding of the correlation of this data to payroll and financial management.Supports implementing organization-wide employee orientation programs, including large group in-person and virtual orientation sessions for seasonal employees.General Human Resources FunctionsPer HR strategies and plans, maintains an annual HR Calendar for Chautauqua. Supports planning, coordination, registration, and communication related to a complex schedule of recruiting events, orientation dates, training sessions, payroll/benefits dates, and employee engagement events.Following employee engagement programs and initiatives, maintains reports of eligible program participants, and coordinates incentive/award distribution. Leads the coordination and detail planning for HR-sponsored employee events, such as pre/post-season celebrations and holiday gatherings.Completes routine or assigned projects to maintain accurate and healthy data management and legal compliance, such as auditing, reporting, scanning, uploading files, data entry, and record-keeping in UKG.Provide accurate, helpful, and thoughtful responses and problem-solve for various topics, including accessing employment schedules, timesheets, or other records in UKG and payroll concerns or questions.About YouEducationA bachelor's degree in human resources, a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.Certification through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or the ability to complete this certification or recertify with employer sponsorship, is preferred.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC), or the ability to complete this certification or recertify with employer sponsorship is preferred.ExperienceProfessional experience in Human Resources through an internship or as an HR or payroll assistant, associate, representative, or specialist is required. Preference will be given to candidates with prior payroll experience.Functional experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) to manage the employment lifecycle is required. Candidates with prior end-user experience with UKG are preferred.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesRelationship building to support an employee experience for talent and to navigate relationships.Active listening and expression to develop and present content, such as emails, processes, procedures, training materials, and surveys; conduct meetings; and maintain professional standards.Tech-savvy for daily use of technology, such as a Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Learning Management System (LMS), MS Office 365 (including SharePoint/Teams), and Smart Sheets.Analytical aptitude in gathering and analyzing information while maintaining neutrality.Project management to navigate multiple projects, complete cycle, and simultaneously.Attention to detail to complete routine data management/auditing assignments and support planning, coordination, and communication-related to complex information and schedules.Independent judgment to navigate HR-related situations, make recommendations, and resolve problems with an independent judgment consistent with the established culture, ethics, HR best practices, Chautauqua's policies/procedures, and federal/state labor laws.A lifelong learner eager to grow core competencies in Human Resources through professional programs, publications, networks, organizations, certifications, and training.About Chautauqua InstitutionChautauqua Institution ( is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars: the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State. It comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company ( , a comprehensive hotel, food and beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution's office in Washington, DC, is strategically located to play an ongoing role in the nation's cultural conversations.The Department of Human Resources provides HR strategies and leadership for talent solutions at Chautauqua Institution ( , its subsidiary, the Chautauqua Hotel Company ( , at Chautauqua's main campus in Western New York, for a satellite office located in Washington DC, and for a multistate distributed workforce.About the Work Location & ScheduleAs a central relationship builder and first point of contact for Human Resources, this incumbent will be based on-site at Chautauqua Institution's Main Campus in beautiful Southwestern New York ( . Occasional telecommuting is available, but a regular remote or hybrid work schedule is not provided for this position. The Department of Human Resources generally operates during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday). Additional hours or weekend availability may be required in limited circumstances.Total Rewards for Our TalentThe compensation for this opportunity starts at $22.00/hour, and with demonstrated experience or advanced education, candidates may earn up to $26.00/Hour. Chautauqua Institution's competitive compensation and benefits include national health insurance with Highmark, flexible spending (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, fitness options, an employee assistance program, and supplemental life insurance and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement contribution, which has recently been (10%) of gross compensation following a designated service period.Discovering Your Chautauqua ExperienceOur talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities in countless ways, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. In addition to a conventional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full online access to our current and historical programs at CHQ Assembly ( .Our Commitment to IDEAChautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority ( in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.Joining Our Talent CommunityJoin our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.QualificationsSkillsPreferredReporting: IntermediateUltimate Kronos Group (UKG): Some KnowledgeTeamwork: AdvancedTask Management: AdvancedSelf-Direction: IntermediateRelationship Building: IntermediatePublic Speaking: IntermediateRecruiting: Some KnowledgeResourceful: AdvancedProblem Solving: IntermediatePlanning & Organizing: AdvancedPersonal Accountability: AdvancedPayroll Processing: IntermediatePatience: AdvancedMultitasking: AdvancedMicrosoft Office: AdvancedMeeting Management: IntermediateLearning Management Systems (LMS): Some KnowledgeInterviewing: Some KnowledgeHuman Resources Information Software (HRIS): IntermediateHuman Resources: IntermediateHelpfulness: AdvancedFinance: Some KnowledgeFlexibility: IntermediateEnd User Support: IntermediateDiversity: Some KnowledgeDependability: AdvancedDeveloping Rapport: IntermediateData Entry: AdvancedCustomer Service: AdvancedContinuous Learning: IntermediateBusiness Intelligence: Some KnowledgeAdaptability: IntermediateAdministrative Support: IntermediateAccounting: Some KnowledgeBehaviorsPreferredFunctional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subjectTeam Player: Works well as a member of a groupDetail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done wellMotivationsPreferredGoal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasksPeer Recognition: Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkersJob Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safeEducationPreferredBachelors or better in Human Resource AdministrationLicenses & CertificationsPreferredHuman Resources (PHR)ExperienceRequired1-2 year: Professional experience in Human Resources through an internship or as an HR or payroll assistant, associate, representative, or specialist is required. Preference will be given to candidates with prior payroll experience.PreferredFunctional experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) to manage the employment lifecycle is required. Candidates with prior end-user experience with UKG are preferred.