CRYSTAL MELENDEZ
Waterbury,CT
Summary
Detail-oriented and proactive payroll professional with over 6 years of experience in processing complex payrolls, identifying compliance risks, and implementing process improvements to optimize organizational efficiency and cost savings. Experienced in identifying critical discrepancies and leading educational initiatives to enhance payroll knowledge. Skilled in fostering strong cross-functional relationships. Committed to utilizing payroll as a powerful tool to promote transparency, ensure compliance, and build trust within organizations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Coordinator
Health Plan One
Trumbull, CT
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented a benefit premium recovery process, resulting in the collection of over $20,000 in the first nine months
- Suggested compliance improvements to collect garnishments from commission-based payments due to variable pay cycles.
- Identified and corrected incorrect state wage reporting information, ensuring accurate quarterly filings.
- Cross-checked HR new hire rates to ensure accurate pay setup and proper assignment of commission plans.
- Audited and tracked agent transfers to maintain accurate reporting and commission eligibility.
- Implemented Office Hours to train and support new managers acquired during a corporate acquisition, focusing on time tracking compliance.
- Ran critical timecard audits to catch and resolve errors impacting payroll processing.
- Conducted compliance updates related to local tax rates and minimum wage changes.
- Detected configuration issues related to meal break laws (CA & NY) and recommended monitoring practices.
- Created process documentation and “how-to” content for internal payroll procedures.
- Trained a machine learning model to detect payroll anomalies beyond standard reporting.
- Acted as a key liaison between Payroll, Benefits, and HR.
- Reinforced time clock rules with employees and managers.
- Handled employee inquiries regarding timecards, garnishments, discrepancies, direct deposits, and taxes.
- Performed basic payroll coordinator tasks including payroll processing, auditing, and compliance reporting.
HR Generalist (Contract)
Clifford Beers Community Health Center
Hamden, CT
06.2023 - 02.2024
- Managed bi-weekly payroll for union and executive staff, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
- Recovered $5,000+ in overpayments and established resolution procedures.
- Led onboarding, exit interviews, and employee communications during a period of transition.
- Reinforced time clock rules with employees and managers.
- Handled employee inquiries regarding timecards, benefits, and payroll corrections.
- Performed basic payroll coordinator tasks including processing, auditing, and documentation management.
Payroll Administrator / HR Assistant
Richard Chevrolet
Cheshire, CT
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Processed full-cycle payroll for 55 employees and administered benefits and deductions.
- Responded to FMLA, payroll inquiries, and ensured system record accuracy.
- Reinforced time clock rules with employees and supervisors.
- Handled employee questions on payroll deductions and timecard corrections.
- Performed basic payroll coordinator tasks including adjustments and compliance support.
Payroll Assistant
MacDermid, Inc.
Waterbury, CT
04.2019 - 08.2022
- Supported payroll processing for over 700 employees, including union payroll and retroactive adjustments.
- Managed wage garnishments and conducted internal compliance audits.
- Reinforced time clock and overtime policies across departments.
- Handled employee inquiries regarding garnishments, direct deposits, and tax forms.
- Performed standard payroll assistant tasks including reporting and audit support.
Payroll Clerk
Lifespire, Inc.
New York, NY
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Designed and implemented a benefit premium recovery process, resulting in the collection of over $20,000 in the first nine months
- Suggested compliance improvements to collect garnishments from commission-based payments due to variable pay cycles.
- Identified and corrected incorrect state wage reporting information, ensuring accurate quarterly filings.
- Cross-checked HR new hire rates to ensure accurate pay setup and proper assignment of commission plans.
- Audited and tracked agent transfers to maintain accurate reporting and commission eligibility.
- Implemented Office Hours to train and support new managers acquired during a corporate acquisition, focusing on time tracking compliance.
- Ran critical timecard audits to catch and resolve errors impacting payroll processing.
- Conducted compliance updates related to local tax rates and minimum wage changes.
- Detected configuration issues related to meal break laws (CA & NY) and recommended monitoring practices.
- Created process documentation and “how-to” content for internal payroll procedures.
- Trained a machine learning model to detect payroll anomalies beyond standard reporting.
- Acted as a key liaison between Payroll, Benefits, and HR.
- Reinforced time clock rules with employees and managers.
- Handled employee inquiries regarding timecards, garnishments, discrepancies, direct deposits, and taxes.
- Performed basic payroll coordinator tasks including payroll processing, auditing, and compliance reporting.
Education
Diploma - undefined
Satellite Academy High School
NY, NY01.2009
Skills
- Payroll Management & Full-Cycle Processing
- Benefits Administration (FMLA, LOA, Deductions)
- Garnishments & Tax Reporting (Including Commission Payments)
- Compliance & Audit Resolution
- Cross-Functional Communication & Manager Support
- HRIS & Payroll Systems: Workday, ADP, Paylocity, Tekion
- Process Improvement & Error Reduction
- Informational Sessions & Manager Training
- Configuration Testing (Meal Break Laws, Payroll Systems)
- Payroll Anomaly Machine Learning Model Training
Timeline
Payroll Coordinator
Health Plan One
01.2024 - Current
HR Generalist (Contract)
Clifford Beers Community Health Center
06.2023 - 02.2024
Payroll Administrator / HR Assistant
Richard Chevrolet
08.2022 - 06.2023
Payroll Assistant
MacDermid, Inc.
04.2019 - 08.2022
Payroll Clerk
Lifespire, Inc.
10.2017 - 03.2019
Diploma - undefined
Satellite Academy High School