HR Operations Specialist

About Columbia Credit Union

Columbia CU is a full-service financial institution with $2.3 billion in assets, over 100k members and we pride ourselves in our commitment to “Making Life Better” in the communities we serve. Since 1952, our commitment toward “Making Life Better” has earned us accolades and we are honored to be the recipient of several local community recognitions:

• Best of Clark County Award / The Columbian - 2008-2025
• Best in Business Award / Vancouver Business Journal - 2013-2024
• Corporate Philanthropy Award / Portland Business Journal - 2017-2024

Columbia CU Guiding Principles

Vision: The most trusted, respected, and sought-after financial institution, providing innovative solutions and support for our employees, members, and communities we serve.

Mission: Bringing people together to make life better for themselves and their communities.

Value Proposition: Earning your trust with knowledgeable people and digital options so you can bank “Columbia” how and when you want.

Leadership Philosophy: Leaders at Columbia CU inspire enthusiasm and accountability that drive our mission. Leaders build engagement and communicate honestly and openly. By rallying everyone around our shared vision, Leaders model and expect the best from individuals and teams.

Core Values

People - We have a passion for helping each other and our members.

Community - We have a passion for contributing to the success and growth of the communities we serve.

Financial Wellness - We have a passion for providing the financial education, tools and assistance that create financial wellness and stability for our organization, each other, our members and the communities we serve.

Benefits

• 100% paid Medical, Dental, Vision for employee - eligible the 1st of the month following hire date
• Accrued PTO, Accrued Extended Sick Time and 11 Paid Bank Holidays
• 401k Match- 100% match up to 6% employee contribution
• Tuition Assistance
• And More!

About The Role

The HR Operations Specialist is a seasoned professional responsible for managing and optimizing core HR processes and systems. With a strong foundation in HR operations and compliance, this role ensures the seamless execution of employee lifecycle activities, supports HR technology initiatives, and drives process improvements. The ideal candidate brings deep operational expertise, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to excellence in HR service delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and enhance HRIS systems, ensuring data accuracy and integrity
• Develop and deliver HR reports, dashboards, and analytics for leadership
• Regularly analyzes HR data (e.g., turnover, engagement, DEI metrics) to inform decisions and present insights to leadership.
• Oversee onboarding, offboarding, and employee status changes
• Ensure timely and compliant processing of employment documentation
• Collaborate with payroll and benefits teams to ensure accurate administration
• Resolve complex employee inquiries related to compensation, benefits, and leave administration
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and support internal/external audits
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to employment, particularly those that affect the hiring and placement process COBRA, FMLA, and Affirmative Action. Ensures that practices follow policy, and that all mandatory postings are placed at each work location.
• Lead or support HR process improvement initiatives
• Participate in HR system upgrades, implementations, and training
• Supports the annual labor budget event process.
• Develops and update Standard Work documentation for the HR functions.
• Serve as a trusted resource for HR business partners and department leaders
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices
• Promotes credit union’s commitment to stated Mission, Vision, and Values: identifying and sharing innovations and improvements in work processes. When applicable implements changes in work processes through investigation, planning, implementation and ongoing support of processes and initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS

• 7+ years in HR operations, HR administration, or generalist roles
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, OR equivalent HR work experience
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG Preferred)
• Strong Excel and data analysis capabilities, including ability to manage relational databases
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Outstanding communications skills, including interpersonal conflict resolution, and public speaking
• Ability to act with consistent professionalism regardless of the intensity of encountered situations
• Unwavering confidentiality and discretion always exercised and exhibited personal good judgement and integrity to instill trust from internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with compensation management, benefits management, leave management, and performance management
• Experience with preparing and auditing payrolls, and overall labor budgeting and workforce planning

COMPENSATION

• $82,000.00 - 90,000.00/ year
• Back Office Incentive

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA

Must be 18 or older to apply

Experience

Required

• 7 year(s): Experience in HR operations, HR administration, or generalist roles

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Human Resource Administration or related field

Behaviors

Preferred

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.