Human Resources Specialist I - HRIS

UMBC•Baltimore, MD

2d•$24 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist I serves as the primary data input and maintenance specialist for the Human Resources System (PeopleSoft) and other supporting HR/Payroll systems. The main function is the timely and accurate processing of all employee lifecycle transaction data (onboarding, compensation changes, benefits updates, separations, etc.). This role is mission-critical for ensuring the integrity of institutional data for payroll, benefits, financial reconciliation, and legally mandated reporting (Federal, State, BOR).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or a related area.
One year of full-time HR or Payroll data entry and transaction processing experience.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex HR policies to unique employee situations, exercise sound judgment in advising stakeholders, and reconcile leave usage against policies for audit and correction purposes.
Expert-level data entry skills with a proven track record of less than 1% error rate on high-volume transactions.
Demonstrated advanced proficiency with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel: VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Formulas) and database software.
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to research, troubleshoot, and resolve data anomalies and processing errors.
Ability to effectively interpret and apply complex HR policies and procedures to data entry and system transactions.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in a high-volume HRIS or payroll environment.
Experience in HRIS data management and/or leave of absence administration.
Significant functional experience with PeopleSoft HR, particularly Job Data, and Query Manager.
Experience working with external reporting requirements (e.g., IPEDS, EEO).
Certification in an HR discipline (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR)

Responsibilities

Accurately enter, review, and finalize high-volume HR and payroll transactions into the PeopleSoft system from various source documents (e.g., electronic forms, paper documents, spreadsheets) to meet strict deadlines. Entries include complex updates related to job data, compensation, personal demographics, and organizational structure changes.
Execute system processes for employee lifecycle events, including new hires, terminations, leaves, transfers, and promotions, ensuring adherence to institutional policies and compliance standards.
Audit entered data and system-generated reports against source documents to identify and correct discrepancies before final payroll processing.
Perform data quality checks using advanced spreadsheet functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) and system queries (e.g., PeopleSoft Query Manager) to ensure consistency and completeness across data fields.
Investigate and resolve data abnormalities by troubleshooting transaction errors, coordinating with HRSTM team members, and communicating with departmental liaisons to secure accurate information.
Analyze and approve online employee transaction submissions (e.g., Termination Portal) for automated data loads, ensuring all required fields are complete, the data is correct, and approvals are secured.
Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training manuals for all data entry and transaction processes to ensure consistency and cross-training capability.
Participate in user acceptance testing (UAT) for system upgrades, patches, and modifications to validate data accuracy and functional performance.
Communicate directly with employees requiring advanced leave programs, explaining the terms and policies of the program, advising employees on their options, collecting approvals as needed, and communicating with employees, their departmental HR representatives, and payroll preparers.
Administer leave adjustments as approved.
Report on used advanced leave for audit purposes, and work with departments and administrators to correct issues with leave usage.
Generate routine and ad-hoc reports and queries for internal HRSTM customers (Payroll, Benefits, Talent) and external customers (Federal/State agencies) to support reporting and operational needs.
Assist with the triage and resolution of data-related HRIS inquiry tickets, escalating technical issues to IT partners as necessary.