Aqua Restaurant Group Seeks Experienced Human Resources Generalist

The HR Generalist works directly with the HR Director and Assistant Controller to ensure that all human resource processes and payroll functions for the organization are carried out in a timely manner to ensure compliance. This occupation plays a key role in the organization’s human capital management strategy by supporting the human resource functions, including but not limited to payroll, recruitment/talent acquisition, on-boarding, compensation & benefits strategies and record keeping.

This position will have a heavy emphasis particularly in the areas of recruitment/talent acquisition, payroll/onboarding, and administration.

For purposes of employee development, the HR Generalist has the potential with the discretion of the HR Director to be involved in other aspects of the human resources function including but not limited training and development, employee relations, employee progressive discipline/corrective action, employee recognition programs, etc.

Human Resource Functions:

Manages benefits plans, including enrollments, changes, terminations.

Works with HR Director and department managers to implement recruitment strategies and interview process. Tracks status of candidates and follows-up as appropriate.

Manages new hire on-boarding including new hire paperwork working together with restaurant managers and employees themselves to ensure onboarding is complete on all sides.

Processes all aspects of employee information from initial hire process to termination including data entry into payroll, timekeeping and benefits carrier systems to ensure accurate record keeping.

Participate in various HR workflows (such as but not limited to I-9 forms, EEO tracking, employee benefit program, workers compensation claims, unemployment forms, COBRA administration, etc) by compiling, filing and distributing appropriate electronic and physical paperwork

Conducts audits of benefits, personnel files or other HR programs

Conducts benefits testing as required, including but not limited to 401k and non-discrimination testing.

Ensures all up-to-date legal postings are placed in a designated area within established timeframes.

Maintain personnel files/staff records, office tasks, filing, and other functions as needed.

Processing unemployment claims.

Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations for restaurants

Supporting strategic objectives.

Talent Acquisition:

Developing policies and strategies for acquiring new talent

Analyzing the company’s hiring and talent needs to anticipate hiring

Using various channels to source candidates

Working with hiring managers to anticipate needs and fill positions

Managing the screening process, including resume screening and interviewing

Building relationships with applicants and past employees

Researching talent acquisition trends to improve the process

Representing the organization at job fairs and recruiting events

Payroll Functions:

Processing payroll using systems similar to Paylocity.

Coordinate and assisting in processing payroll on both a weekly and bi–weekly basis (pertinent to the particular different restaurant outlets both current and future potential openings)

Payroll punch edits, entering hours & tips, auditing daily hours and tip sheets and sharing it with the staff on 7Shifts on a daily basis to ensure smooth payroll operation processing days

Maintain files of all contracts, insurance policies, tax reports, expenses, payroll, etc

Perform regular payroll audits while maintaining and enforcing payroll policies and procedures.

Timely and accurate processing of payroll including assisting in entering/onboarding new hires

Researches and implements payroll tax requirements as needed.

Ensures proper payroll deductions are processed through the organizations payroll system.

Communicate with team members on a regular basis regarding payroll information, research and respond to questions.

Facilitates final pay computation and processing.

Ensures accuracy of payroll registers, withholding taxes and statutory loans and contributions for statutory requirements.

Responds promptly to employee inquiries on payroll matters

Performs additional tasks as directed.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

Bachelor's degree in similar fields

Payroll and/or Human Resources experience a must

Excellent communication skills using different mediums

Familiar with multiple HRIS software: Aloha, 7Shifts, Compeat, Employee Navigator, ATS experience a plus

Highly organized with strong people skills, detail oriented, and problem solving skills

Budget management experience

Ability and high degree to maintain confidentiality

Thorough knowledge of NY and federal labor laws and regulations

Computer literacy

Bilingual a plus

Working knowledge of federal, state and city laws and regulations impacting payroll operations.

Knowledge of job titles, classification systems, and coding structures in either NYC or NYS payroll systems.

Strong analytical, evaluative, technical, and research skills to work with various information systems to audit payroll and create reports.

High degree of professionalism and personal integrity

Detail-oriented, self-directed, and motivated with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting with diverse staff of all levels.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments with conflicting priorities and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic and demanding customer-focused environment.

Computer proficiency using web-based HRIS, payroll, financial and administrative systems; MS Office Suite (Outlook and Word) with strong Excel skills; plus virtual meeting/conferencing and collaboration tools (MS Teams, Zoom).

Aqua Restaurant Group is an EEO (M/F/V)