Payroll & HR Operations Generalist

Company Overview: WaterWalk Hospitality is a dynamic and rapidly growing hotel management company redefining the extended-stay experience through its dual model: WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham – LIVE | STAY. With properties across multiple U.S. markets, we deliver a unique blend of residential comfort and hospitality service. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll & HR Operations Generalist to join our growing team. This hybrid role bridges payroll, HR systems, and compliance — ensuring a seamless and accurate experience for our associates while optimizing efficiency across HR and Finance functions.

Job Summary: The Payroll & HR Operations Generalist will oversee end-to-end payroll operations, manage Paylocity as the organization’s HRIS platform, and serve as a key connector between Finance, HR, and our field operations. This role ensures accurate payroll processing, drives HR system optimization, and supports compliance, onboarding, and benefits administration. You will also play a pivotal role in post-TriNet migration stabilization, system optimization, and process standardization to support WaterWalk’s continued growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Management

· Own and manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees (multi-state experience required), ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of regular and off-cycle payrolls, including bonuses and commissions.
• Partner with Accounting on GL entries, reconciliations, and payroll reporting.
• Oversee quarterly and annual filings (W-2s, ACA, 401k, etc.) and support audits as needed.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and tax regulations.

HR Systems & Data Integrity

• Serve as Paylocity Super Admin, maintaining workflows, reporting dashboards, and data integrity.
• Manage HRIS updates, permissions, and employee lifecycle transactions (hires, promotions, terminations).
• Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline onboarding, payroll, and benefits data integrations.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and training materials for HR and property leaders.

People Operations Support

• Support the People & Culture team with benefits enrollment, deduction audits, and vendor invoicing.
• Assist with HR compliance (I-9s, EEO-1, state postings, policy updates).
• Partner with HR to ensure accurate compensation data and employee records.
• Respond to employee inquiries with a focus on service, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Contribute to HR reporting, analytics, and metrics dashboards (turnover, headcount, costs).

Process Improvement & Projects

• Identify and implement efficiency improvements in payroll and HR operations.
• Lead or support special projects such as benefit renewals, compensation adjustments, and system integrations.
• Partner with leaders to ensure WaterWalk’s People Operations evolve in alignment with company growth.

What You Bring:

Education & Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or HR (or equivalent work experience).

· 3+ years of progressive payroll experience; hospitality or multi-unit experience a plus.

· Proven experience with HRIS/Payroll systems — Paylocity strongly preferred.

· Prior involvement in system migrations or HR/payroll integrations.

· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in payroll and HRIS platforms (e.g. Paylocity)
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with payroll reports and reconciliations
• Familiarity with accounting principles and general ledger processes related to payroll
• Strong understanding of payroll tax and employment law compliance.

Core Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll concepts to non-financial stakeholders
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion
• Proven ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote