Human Resources Generalist

Ascend Bank • Wallingford, CT

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Generalist, in collaboration with the HR team, is responsible for the accurate and efficient administration of core human resources operations, including payroll, HRIS management, benefits administration, employee records, compliance support, and employee services. Reporting to the VP, HR Manager, this role partners closely with HR leadership to ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulatory requirements, and Bank policies. The HR Generalist is expected to demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset and actively support the Bank’s continued movement toward more efficient, digital, and technology‑enabled HR processes by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual or paper‑based processes, and leverage HR systems and tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience. The role also supports onboarding and training activities, serves as a backup resource for recruiting and onboarding as needed to ensure continuity of operations, and contributes to HR initiatives that position the Bank as an Employer of Choice. This role involves serving as system administrator for the Bank’s HRIS (ADP Workforce Now), acting as the primary liaison with the HRIS provider, administering weekly payroll, preparing payroll and benefits reports, tracking paid time off, assisting employees with HRIS access and timesheet questions, and preparing standard and ad hoc HR reports. It also includes participating in HR system enhancements, upgrades, and testing. The position provides backup support to the Talent Acquisition Specialist, posts job openings, tracks applicant flow, supports recruitment activities, prepares new hire documentation, executes and tracks onboarding and offboarding processes, maintains employment documentation (including Form I-9), coordinates with the IS Department for technology access, and assists the Training Manager with new hire training coordination. Benefits administration responsibilities include tracking eligibility and enrollment for benefit programs (welfare benefits and 401(k) plan), tracking FMLA eligibility, assisting with benefit meetings, verifying and reconciling insurance invoices, and supporting 401(k) plan administration. The role also involves maintaining and updating the Employee Handbook and HR policies, assisting with policy administration, ensuring records retention, maintaining confidential files, ensuring compliance with EEOC and OFCCP recordkeeping, and completing compliance training. General HR responsibilities include coordinating communication related to benefits and employee programs, maintaining labor law postings, assisting with HR and training initiatives, collaborating with HR team members, and supporting HR leadership with research and special projects.

Requirements

• A college degree (BS or BA in a relevant field).
• Three to five years of similar or related experience in the field of HR.
• The ability to use data, information, and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills (Digital Literacy).
• Information, data, and content skills.
• Teaching learning and self-development skills.
• Communication, collaboration, and participation skills.
• Digital identity, safety, and security skills.
• Technical proficiency with all bank products.
• Awareness and interest in new technology.
• Creation, innovation, and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as system administrator for the Bank’s HRIS (ADP Workforce Now), ensuring accurate and timely data maintenance.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Bank and the HRIS provider.
• Administer and/or support weekly payroll in accordance with established procedures and internal controls.
• Prepare required weekly and monthly payroll and benefits reports.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of paid time off balances.
• Assist employees with HRIS access, password resets, and timesheet questions.
• Prepare standard and ad hoc HR reports using HRIS data.
• Participates in HR system enhancements, upgrades, and testing to support process improvements and data integrity.
• Provide backup support to the Bank’s Talent Acquisition Specialist (TAS) during periods of increased volume or absence.
• Post job openings and track applicant flow in the HRIS as assigned.
• Support recruitment activities in coordination with the TAS, including candidate communication and interview scheduling.
• Prepare new hire documentation, onboarding materials, and personnel file setup following finalized hiring decisions.
• Execute and track onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure compliance and a positive employee experience.
• Maintain required employment documentation, including Form I-9.
• Coordinate with the IS Department to ensure timely technology access for new hires.
• Assist the Training Manager with new hire training coordination.
• Track eligibility and enrollment timelines for employee benefit programs, including welfare benefits and the 401(k) plan.
• Track FMLA eligibility and leave timelines in coordination with the VP, HR Manager.
• Assist with scheduling and coordination of employee benefit meetings.
• Verify and reconcile monthly insurance invoices and resolve vendor discrepancies.
• Support compliant administration of the Bank’s 401(k) plan, including reconciliations and required notices.
• Maintain and update the Employee Handbook and HR policies; recommend updates to mitigate risk.
• Assist with administration of HR policies and procedures aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to records retention requirements.
• Maintain confidential and accurate personnel and medical files.
• Ensure compliance with EEOC and OFCCP recordkeeping requirements.
• Complete all assigned compliance training in a timely manner.
• Coordinate communication related to benefits and employee programs.
• Maintain required labor law postings and employee bulletin boards.
• Assist with coordination of HR and training initiatives as needed.
• Collaborate with HR team members to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Support HR leadership with research and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Compensation is based on our market pay structures.
• Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
• Equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status.
• Reasonable accommodation in the application process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level