Human Resources/Recruiting Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The HR Specialist/Recruiter supports the daily operations of the Human Resources department under the direction of the HR Manager. This role is responsible for recruitment, onboarding, payroll administration, benefits support, HRIS maintenance, employee records management, and employee engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with strong communication, customer service, and time management skills. This individual must be able to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and provide exceptional support to employees and managers across the organization.

As a key member of the Human Resources team, the HR Specialist/Recruiter serves as a resource for employees throughout the employment lifecycle, helping to foster a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws, regulations, and company policies. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of the organization's culture, structure, and business objectives, along with a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and employee-focused HR services.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

(NOTE: The responsibilities described are representative of the primary duties assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require. )

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage the full recruitment process, including job postings, candidate sourcing, application review, screening, interview coordination, and candidate communication.
• Coordinate background/credit checks, employment offers, pre-employment requirements, and hiring documentation.
• Maintain applicant tracking and recruitment data within ADP.
• Facilitate onboarding, new hire orientation, personnel file creation, and employee integration activities.
• Track recruiting metrics and support workforce planning initiatives.

Payroll & HRIS Administration

• Process and submit biweekly payroll, including timesheet review, payroll audits, employee status changes, earnings, and deductions
• Maintain employee records within ADP and other HR systems, ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
• Support year-end payroll activities, reporting requirements, and audits.
• Maintain organizational charts, employee listings, and HR tracking reports.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Support employee benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and carrier updates.
• Assist employees with routine benefit and payroll deduction questions.
• Coordinate leave administration, including FMLA tracking, documentation, and follow-up.
• Support ACA reporting, retirement plan administration, Section 125 plans, tuition assistance programs, and other benefit-related activities.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and maintain accurate enrollment records.

Compliance & Employee Records

• Maintain personnel files, I-9 documentation, retention records, compliance files, and audit materials.
• Prepare and submit required reports, including EEO-1, workers' compensation, and other regulatory filings.
• Monitor HR compliance deadlines and ensure required documentation is completed and maintained.
• Assist with policy administration and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Maintain required labor law postings and licensing documentation.

Employee & Organizational Support

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions regarding payroll, benefits, leave, and HR processes.
• Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information and concerns.
• Coordinate performance review tracking, employee development activities, certifications, and training registrations.
• Support employee communication initiatives, wellness programs, recognition programs, and other engagement activities.
• Represent the organization professionally in community, networking, and recruiting events.
• Escalate employee relations concerns, policy issues, and compliance matters to the HR Manager as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of experience in human resources, recruiting, payroll, benefits administration, or a related administrative role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across the organization.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable HRIS/payroll system.
• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll processing, and HR compliance activities.
• Professional Human Resources certification such as aPHR, PHR, or equivalent.
• Experience in a banking, financial services, or other highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and related HR compliance requirements.

Additional Comment

All employees of Merchants National Bank are responsible for working toward the corporate mission and all quality goals of the organization. Due to the nature of this position, confidentiality must be maintained at all times! This position is currently not remote and is positioned at the Hillsboro main office.

Merchants National Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.