HR/Payroll Generalist

The HR / Payroll Generalist supports day-to-day human resources and payroll operations for Chai Pani Restaurant Group and Spicewalla. The Generalist supports Human Resources functions including recruiting, onboarding, employee records, benefits, employee relations, and compliance. The Generalist also provides payroll support, helping maintain accurate payroll inputs, records, and employee responses in partnership with Finance, restaurant managers, and other leaders. Key Responsibilities: Human Resources Administration: Manage job postings, screen and communicate with candidates through the hiring process. Coordinate onboarding including offer letters, required forms, employee communications, and follow-up with managers. Process tax withholding forms, I-9 documentation, and E-Verify steps for new hires, following applicable requirements and record-retention practices. Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and related files, including pay, position, employment status, benefits, performance, disciplinary, and incident documentation. Administer health benefits, track eligibility, coordinate enrollment and assist employees with benefits questions and required paperwork. Prepare responses to unemployment requests from applicable state agencies and maintain supporting documentation. Help keep employee handbooks, policies, forms, and HR systems current; and support audits and required recordkeeping. Act as a first point of contact and advisor for routine HR policy, process, and benefits questions. Coordinate offboarding, including required paperwork, employee communications, record updates, and exit interviews, to support a smooth transition. Enter weekly personnel and recruiting information into Operational Dashboards and prepare employee and HR reports as requested. Contribute to HR projects and process improvements, including employee surveys, reporting, and efforts to make people processes easier to follow. Payroll Support: Support the weekly multi-state payroll cycle by collecting and checking payroll inputs and preparing accurate information for review and submission by established deadlines. Review timecards, hours, attendance, pay rates, job and status changes, tips, overtime, bonuses, wage guarantees, deductions, and other payroll inputs for accuracy and completeness. Process payments for contract labor team members and maintain the related manual audit system. Help prepare and distribute pay through direct deposit or paycard; assist with employee setup, activation, troubleshooting, and vendor communication. Support accurate benefit deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, cash advance repayments, and other authorized payroll adjustments. Maintain payroll records and supporting spreadsheets; track cash advances and sick pay; and assist with payroll reconciliations, audits, tax filings, and year-end processing, including W-2 distribution. Respond to routine payroll questions about paystubs, time-off balances, deductions, and pay corrections; coordinate payroll system needs and service issues with the HRIS/payroll provider. Cross-Functional Partnership & Confidentiality: Coordinate with HR, Finance, restaurant managers, and other leaders so employee records, benefits information, and payroll changes are complete and consistent. Protect confidential employee, compensation, banking, tax, and health-benefit information; share it only with authorized people and through appropriate channels. Follow documented procedures, flag control gaps or recurring errors, and recommend practical improvements that protect accuracy, compliance, and employee experience. Evaluation Metrics: Employee records, onboarding, benefits, and HR documentation are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with company procedures and applicable requirements. Employees and managers receive timely, clear, and respectful HR support, with sensitive or complex matters escalated appropriately. Recruiting, new-hire orientation, and offboarding steps are coordinated accurately and on schedule. Payroll inputs, corrections, and required filings are completed accurately and by established deadlines. Audits, reconciliations, and reporting are completed with well-organized supporting documentation, and discrepancies are identified and resolved. Consistent use and improvement of documented HR and payroll processes, systems, and internal controls. Required Qualifications: Education: Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: Two to four years of hands-on experience in a human resources role. Knowledge: Solid understanding of employment laws, HR best practices, and standard HRIS and payroll platforms. Skills: Strong communication, active listening, organization, ability to manage multiple priorities, and discretion when handling confidential information. Preferred Qualifications: Certifications: PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP credential. Industry Experience: Experience in a fast-paced or scaling small-to-midsize business. Non-Negotiables: High integrity and strict discretion when handling confidential information. Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially when reviewing data that affects employee records, pay, or benefits. Ability to manage recurring deadlines while balancing employee questions and changing priorities. Clear, responsive, and respectful communication with employees, managers, and cross-functional partners. Comfort navigating HRIS, payroll, timekeeping, and other information systems, and following documented processes. Proactive problem-solving, sound judgment, and willingness to ask questions or escalate when an issue is unclear or sensitive.