Jessica Coss
River Grove
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources professional with 15 years of experience in optimizing HR operations and enhancing employee engagement. Streamlined payroll and benefits administration using ADP and Microsoft Office, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Developed innovative strategies to improve efficiency and foster collaboration across teams.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Specialist
Arway-Long Grove Confectionary
Chicago/Buffalo Grove
12.2024 - Current
- Primary HR contact ensuring policy clarity and streamlined recruitment, boosting candidate experience.
- Led onboarding and HRIS management, improving data accuracy and new hire integration.
- Analyzed HR metrics to guide management, focusing on reducing turnover and hiring times.
- Administered payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance and resolving issues efficiently.
- Facilitated new hire orientation sessions, enhancing employee engagement and retention through a welcoming atmosphere.
- Acted as the primary HR contact, clarifying policies and procedures to enhance employee understanding and compliance across the organization.
- Fostered partnerships with department heads to tailor training initiatives, aligning skills with business objectives.
- Promoted a welcoming environment during new hire orientations, enhancing employee engagement and ensuring a smooth transition for incoming staff.
- Partnered with department heads to develop targeted training programs, aligning employee skills with business goals and boosting performance.
- Executed payroll processing through automated software, streamlining payment accuracy for employees.
- Monitored payroll practices to comply with federal, state, and local regulations, minimizing legal risks.
- Collaborate with HR to resolve payroll discrepancies and inquiries.
- Processed payroll for over 300 employees weekly, ensuring accuracy of pay and deductions.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines consistently.
- Reviewed timesheets for accuracy and completeness prior to processing payroll.
- Performed manual calculations for retroactive pay adjustments or special payments.
- Created and maintained employee records, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and tax withholding forms.
- Researched and resolved employee payroll questions and issues via email, phone and in person.
- Supported payrolls, driving timely and accurate payment of employee wages.
- Collaborated with employees and supervisors to immediately resolve discrepancies in timesheets.
- Solved complex problems related to payroll processing quickly and efficiently.
- Guided new employees through time reporting and payroll systems during onboarding to enhance understanding.
- Provided timely customer service support to employees regarding questions about their paychecks or other payroll issues.
- Voided checks and issued stop payment orders to correct payroll discrepancies.
- Oversaw payroll processing to comply with tax laws and court-ordered wage assignments and garnishments.
- Executed payroll deductions for garnishments, child support, and levies in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Handled the setup and validation of direct deposit instructions for employees.
- Updated payroll records by entering changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, and job title and department and division transfers.
- Provided guidance to employees on benefits options and eligibility requirements.
- Provided detailed information on medical, dental, and benefit plans to new hires and employees experiencing status changes.
- Participated in open enrollment activities including preparing materials, conducting presentations, answering questions, and distributing information packets.
- Conducted employee orientations to explain benefits programs.
- Assisted employees with enrollment in health and welfare plans.
- Assisted in resolving discrepancies between payroll records and vendor invoices related to employee benefits packages.
- Conducted employee orientations to explain benefits programs.
- Assisted employees with enrollment in health and welfare plans.
- Assisted in resolving discrepancies between payroll records and vendor invoices related to employee benefits packages.
Benefits Leave Administrator (Contract)
UL Solutions LLC
Northbrook
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Streamlined leave processing workflows to enhance efficiency, ensuring timely and accurate leave administration across the organization.
- Administer leave policies, ensuring compliance and accurate data management.
- Facilitate employee support, resolving benefit inquiries and processing requests promptly.
- Collaborate with legal and payroll teams for seamless claim handling and payment processing.
- Monitored and analyzed absence data to identify trends, enabling proactive management of leave policies and compliance with labor laws.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for employees, delivering clear guidance on benefits and leave processes to resolve inquiries effectively.
- Provided personalized coaching on benefits, strengthening employee relationships and boosting satisfaction.
- Reviewed vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance, ensuring timely payments and maintaining positive vendor relationships.
Human Resource/Payroll Clerk (Contract)
Northside Imports
Lincolnwood
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Streamlined payroll processing by implementing automated checks, reducing errors and ensuring on-time payments for over 300 employees.
- Efficiently processed bi-weekly payroll for 300+ employees across multiple states using ADP.
- Accurately managed wage garnishments, child support orders, and ensured timely 401k deductions.
- Maintained records of wage garnishments and deductions to ensure timely execution and compliance with legal requirements.
- Analyzed payroll discrepancies to identify root causes, leading to measurable improvements in accuracy and employee trust.
- Generated payroll reports that improved clarity in employee payment processes.
- Coordinated with HR and finance teams to ensure compliance with state regulations, strengthening operational integrity.
- Addressed employee concerns to enhance team morale and engagement.
Human Resource Specialist
GRECIAN DELIGHT/KRONOS
Elk grove Village
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Streamlined payroll processes through implementation of Ceridian/Dayforce, enhancing processing times and accuracy in employee compensation.
- Facilitated payroll system transition to Ceridian/Dayforce, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption.
- Managed payroll reporting, ensuring accurate tax, 401k, and benefits deductions.
- Executed garnishments and levies, supporting compliance with child support and FMLA regulations.
- Entered and tracked employee leave data, enhancing payroll accuracy with Paylocity.
- Conducted thorough audits during payroll transitions, ensuring compliance and minimizing errors, which led to significant operational improvements.
- Supported HR functions by refining onboarding and benefits enrollment processes, enhancing employee experience and engagement.
- Designed a comprehensive onboarding program, enhancing new hire integration and fostering a supportive work environment.
- Partnered with finance to generate detailed month-end reports, supporting strategic decision-making and budget management.
Payroll Administrator (Contract)
KRONOS FOODS CORPORATION
Glendale Heights
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Facilitated payroll system transition to Ceridian/Dayforce, improving processing efficiency and user experience.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration with HR and IT teams during payroll system transition, ensuring effective communication and continuity.
- Streamlined payroll processing through implementation of efficient data entry methods, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for employees.
- Managed payroll operations, ensuring accurate tax, 401(k), and benefits processing.
- Processed garnishments and levies efficiently, maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
- Analyzed payroll discrepancies to identify root causes, leading to improved accuracy and reduced processing errors.
- Entered employee leave data into Paylocity, ensuring timely updates and accuracy.
- Supported HR leadership with diverse tasks, demonstrating adaptability and teamwork.
Human Resource Manager
EL REY USA MEATS & SEAFOOD/LEON LOGISTICS LTD.
Chicago
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Managed payroll processes, including tax liabilities and 401k contributions, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Streamlined employee onboarding processes, reducing time-to-hire and enhancing candidate experience, leading to noticeable improvements in retention rates.
- Facilitated employee relations, evaluations, and recruitment to strengthen team dynamics and performance.
- Implemented a new HRIS system for payroll and benefits management, increasing accuracy and efficiency in reporting and data handling.
- Supported employees with benefits and tax concerns to increase satisfaction and understanding.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive employee handbooks, ensuring compliance and clear communication of policies and procedures.
- Implemented a bilingual employee handbook, improving accessibility and communication across entities.
- Led benefits program management and design meetings, ensuring accurate data input and reporting.
HR Coordinator
ADVACARE SYSTEMS
Chicago
08.2018 - 09.2020
- Streamlined HR operations, optimizing payroll and onboarding processes for seamless transitions.
- Fostered welcoming environment for new hires, enhancing onboarding experiences and supporting positive workplace culture.
- Streamlined payroll processes, improving efficiency and ensuring timely payroll delivery, resulting in enhanced employee satisfaction.
- Coordinated with departments to align HR initiatives with business objectives, driving engagement and retention efforts.
- Analyzed employee data to refine recruitment strategies, improving candidate sourcing and strengthening talent pool.
- Implemented a digital filing system for employee records, significantly enhancing accessibility and compliance with data privacy regulations.
Customer Service Rep
CSM Tube USA Inc.
Elk Grove Village
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Answered phone calls and e-mails from customers to provide timely information about deliveries and order status.
- Managed order processing to maintain customer satisfaction and accurate deliveries.
- Processing pick orders for warehouse.
- Scheduling pickups with carriers.
- Processing shipping documents such as invoices, packing slips, documents for carriers.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to support operational efficiency.
- Coordinated tasks and communications to support sales manager and streamline workflow.
- Conducted monthly statistical analysis to support decision-making processes.
HR Manager/Payroll Manager
Best Care Home Health Inc. / Asbury Healthcare LLC.
Oak Brook
11.2014 - 01.2017
- Process company time and attendance and payroll for 125 employees with ADP Payroll and Time and Attendance.
- Processed benefits enrollments and reconciled monthly benefits invoices, ensuring accurate application of changes to employee accounts.
- Reviewed resumes, selected candidates for phone screenings, and conducted interviews to identify top talent for open positions.
- Employee Recruiting – Prepare appropriate job postings and placement.
- Submit information to conduct background checks and drug screens on applicants/new hires.
- Implement an updated employee handbook.
- Organized and scheduled training sessions for employees to enhance skill development and compliance.
- Collaborated with administrator to implement policies.
HR Generalist
Freedman Seating Company
Chicago
09.2010 - 11.2014
- Conduct New hire orientation for new employees.
- Assisted employees with inquiries regarding benefits, pay, and communication.
- Participated in benefit design meetings and conducted annual enrollment sessions.
- Benefits program management, including data input and reporting.
- Managed payroll activities to ensure timely and accurate compensation for employees.
- Assist with leaves such as FMLA, STD, etc.
- Monitor time off to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Review timekeeping and advise Director if excessive issues.
- Assist employees with payroll/timekeeping questions.
- Write reports from payroll.
- Payroll reporting as needed.
- Government reporting from payroll data.
- Processed wage garnishments in accordance with legal requirements and company policies.
- Processed child support orders in compliance with legal requirements.
- Affirmative Action reporting.
- All state tax ups and out-of-state tax inquiries.
- Handle all garnishments and levies for child support, etc.
- Handled employee inquiries regarding W-2 forms and tax-related questions.
- Entered employee vacation, sick & personal time into payroll system using Paylocity & Paycom.
- Ensured compliance with ISO standards by implementing necessary procedures.
- Management of Temp employees.
Education
Human Resources Certificate -
Triton College
River Grove, IL12-2026
Skills
- Payroll management
- Benefits administration
- HRIS administration
- New hire onboarding
- Employee relations
- Pre-employment screening
- ADP
- Paylocity
- Ceridian
- Day Force
- Paycom
- UltiPro
- Paycor
- ORACLE HCM
- Microsoft Office
Certification
Notary Public, Illinois, 10/01/29
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist
Arway-Long Grove Confectionary
12.2024 - Current
Benefits Leave Administrator (Contract)
UL Solutions LLC
09.2023 - 12.2024
Human Resource/Payroll Clerk (Contract)
Northside Imports
06.2023 - 09.2023
Human Resource Specialist
GRECIAN DELIGHT/KRONOS
09.2021 - 11.2022
Payroll Administrator (Contract)
KRONOS FOODS CORPORATION
04.2021 - 09.2021
Human Resource Manager
EL REY USA MEATS & SEAFOOD/LEON LOGISTICS LTD.
09.2020 - 04.2021
HR Coordinator
ADVACARE SYSTEMS
08.2018 - 09.2020
Customer Service Rep
CSM Tube USA Inc.
02.2018 - 08.2018
HR Manager/Payroll Manager
Best Care Home Health Inc. / Asbury Healthcare LLC.
11.2014 - 01.2017
HR Generalist
Freedman Seating Company
09.2010 - 11.2014
Human Resources Certificate -
Triton College