Payroll & HR Specialist

Company Overview

About Us

Living Opportunities is a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling our mission and vision in various ways aligned with our values of Community, Quality, Respect, Choice, and Catalyst for Change.

Our Vision is a community that embraces individuality and competently supports and empowers people. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to thrive in diverse communities: living in inclusive neighborhoods, engaging in meaningful work, and sharing in experiences that enrich all of our lives.

General Statement of Duties:

This position is responsible for preparing and processing biweekly payroll in UKG Ready (Kronos) and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and reliable reporting of payroll data. In addition, the role supports key Human Resources functions such as onboarding, benefits administration, and employee records, serving as the frontline resource for staff with payroll and HR-related questions. The Payroll & HR Specialist works both independently and collaboratively to maintain accurate systems and provide responsive employee support across payroll and HR processes.

Qualifications:

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary to successfully complete the related duties of this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field. An equivalent combination of professional certifications, credentials, and proven skills in accounting, payroll, or HR may substitute for a formal degree. (High school diploma or GED required.)
• Minimum of three years of hands-on payroll experience, including processing for a workforce of 100+ employees.
• Demonstrated understanding of payroll processes and their connection to accounting, general ledger reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting HR functions such as onboarding, benefits administration, and employee records management.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, digital records, and cloud-based systems (Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide responsive support.
• High level of accountability, reliability, and follow-through in completing tasks independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with UKG Ready (Kronos) or similar HRIS/payroll systems, including reporting and configuration.
• Experience reconciling benefit invoices and payroll deductions, with the ability to spot and resolve variances.
• Knowledge of nonprofit or service-based accounting practices, particularly in environments with multiple funding streams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze system functions, recommend improvements, and implement workflow changes that enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to balance employee support, confidentiality, and compliance requirements.

Role Expectations

• Demonstrated professionalism in conduct and communication as a representative of the organization
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving systems, priorities, and workflows
• Commitment to working respectfully across teams and departments
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with barriers or disabilities to perform essential functions.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment in this position is contingent upon meeting all pre-employment and post-offer requirements, which include but are not limited to:

• At least 18 years of age
• Possession of a valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of vehicle insurance
• Acceptable driving record for eligibility to be covered under the organization’s insurance for driving purposes (including the use of agency or personal vehicles for work-related travel)
• Satisfactory completion of required screenings and checks:
• Employment reference checks
• Drug screening for illegal substances
• Physical/functional exam confirming ability to perform all job duties with reasonable accommodations
• Abuse registry check, as required by state licensing and Medicaid program rules
• Criminal history check (in accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 181.537 and Oregon Administrative Rules 125-007-0200 to 125-007-0330, 407-007-0200 to 407-007-0370, and 943-007-0000(2))

Roles and Responsibilities:

This role includes responsibilities across payroll and accounts receivable:

Payroll

• Prepare and process biweekly payroll for approximately 180 employees in UKG Ready (Kronos), ensuring accuracy in timesheets, pay codes, accruals, deductions, and garnishments.
• Maintain payroll data and system records, including employee setup, pay rate changes, adjustments, and terminations.
• Reconcile payroll data monthly and ensure proper synchronization with the general ledger, supporting accurate financial statements.
• Generate detailed payroll and labor cost reports to inform management and executive decision-making, as well as compliance and audit requirements.
• Coordinate quarterly and year-end payroll activities in collaboration with UKG Payroll Services, ensuring reports and filings are accurate and complete.
• Monitor UKG updates, configurations, and best practices; recommend and implement improvements to strengthen payroll accuracy, efficiency, and reporting capabilities.
• Serve as a payroll and HR systems resource for HR, Finance, and leadership, supporting timekeeping, scheduling, and employee self-service functions.

HR & Employee Support

• Serve as a frontline resource for employees, providing timely and accurate responses to questions about payroll, benefits, and HR processes.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, preparing documentation, updating systems, and supporting smooth employee transitions.
• Partner with the HR Manager on recruitment efforts, including screening applicants, scheduling interviews, and maintaining consistent communication with candidates.
• Administer employee benefit programs by processing enrollments and changes, reviewing vendor invoices for accuracy, and reconciling benefit deductions against payroll.
• Maintain compliant personnel files and HR data systems, ensuring records are accurate, complete, and updated promptly with employment changes.
• Support employee communications by preparing and distributing updates, reminders, and HR information in collaboration with the HR Manager.
• Contribute to HR projects and initiatives that improve processes, strengthen compliance, and enhance the employee experience.

Administrative Support

• Serve as a backup for the front desk, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and assisting with general office inquiries
• Participate as a staff representative at organizational events; including offering accounting support for activities such as the annual fundraiser furnARTure, Studio art shows, and other special events
• Assist in the coordination, supervision, and completion of special projects to support organization initiatives and priorities

Cross-Functional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and organized records using the organization’s file naming conventions and digital folder structure
• Uphold confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion across all tasks and communication
• Complete assigned responsibilities in full, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and clearly labeled
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying challenges, documenting patterns, and supporting workflow development
• Participate in professional development opportunities in coordination with supervisor to build knowledge and skills
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through professional conduct, inclusive communication, and openness to feedback
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Environment and Conditions

The work environment varies in this position. Roughly 90% of the employee’s time will be spent working indoors. Occasionally, employees in this position can expect to work outdoors. Indoor work may include a typical office setting, temperature-controlled with typical office equipment.

Physical Requirements

Standing or Walking – Occasional in this position (up to 30% of the time)

Sitting, bending, twisting – Frequent in this position (more than 50% of the time)

Lifting up to 25 pounds – Rare in this position (less than 10% of the time)

Climbing stairs – Rare in this position (less than 10% of the time)

Computer and Keyboard use - Frequent in this position (more than 50% of the time)

Use of physical intervention training/techniques – Not in this position (0% of the time)

Must be able to evacuate during an emergency and assist others in doing the same.

Direct reports

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities over any other positions.

Work Schedule

This position is classified under FLSA as an hourly non-exempt position and is subject to applicable wage and hours laws outlined by the FLSA for hourly non-exempt positions. General office hours are to be kept Monday through Friday. Exact hours are to be determined with supervisors and will change periodically due to the functions of the position. This is a full-time position.

Call-To-Action

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through your HR expertise, we invite you to bring your talents to Living Opportunities. Apply today and help us create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Payroll: 3 years (Preferred)
• Human resources: 2 years (Preferred)
• Recruiting: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Medford, OR 97501 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Medford, OR 97501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person