LAURA WILLARD
Hamburg
Summary
Experienced leader with proven track record in managing payroll systems and HR policies and ensuring regulatory compliance. Recognized for optimizing payroll processes and resolving discrepancies efficiently. Known for strong collaboration skills and results-driven approach, adaptable to changing needs and highly reliable in team settings ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
05.2018 - 11.2024
- Established and implemented payroll and HR policies and procedures in partnership with executive team and educational leadership driving compliance with applicable labor laws resulting in increased efficiency
- Managed in-house bi-weekly payroll processing ranging from $720,000 - $1,000,000 for 400 full and part-time employees and administered employee benefits, leave, retirement, and safety programs
- Maintained a solid understanding of the organization, operations, financials, and external landscape
- Designed job descriptions and compensation practices that accurately reflected the duties required for each position, reducing salary discrepancies and improving pay equity
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws through periodic audits
- Partnered with supervisors to train and educate on usage of payroll systems, time and attendance approvals, and basic labor laws related to payroll supervision
- Conducted exit interviews and processed all off boarding for separations
- Facilitated dispute resolution between union and non-union employees, and management
- Managed the daily workflow of the HR team of three and adjusted responsibilities and workload to ensure goals were achieved
- Investigated and resolved escalated payroll discrepancies and employee issues
- Provided current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, wages, and employee benefits
- Managed HRIS system and implementation of upgraded system and trained payroll staff
- Performed regular payroll audits, performed annual W2 and ACA processing and payroll tax filings
- Created SOP's for payroll processes and time and attendance procedures for HR staff and supervisors
- Created annual and monthly reports for mandated reporting and specific management requests
Human Resources Manager
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
09.2009 - 05.2018
- Directed a successful restructuring of the company's policies and practices, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws regarding all aspects of payroll and human resources management, resulting in three successful five-year charter renewals
- Provided strategic guidance to senior management on all aspects of payroll and human resources, including employee relations, compensation, benefits, training, and policy development, resulting in the organizational growth of our charter from 1,600 students to 2,300 students
- Led talent acquisition and onboarding programs, attaining recruitment objectives
- Conducted exit interviews and processed off boarding for departing employees
- Managed employee benefits programs, including health insurance, workers' compensation, DBL, FMLA, and safety
- Managed in-house bi-weekly payroll processing for full and part-time employees and administered employee benefits, leave, and retirement programs
- Created HRIS set ups for new hires with all personal information and payroll information
- Managed HRIS system and implementation of upgraded system and trained payroll staff
- Performed regular payroll audits, performed annual W2 and ACA processing and payroll tax filings
- Processed all time and attendance records and reviewed and resolved any discrepancies
- Maintained an in-depth knowledge of labor laws and regulations
- Maintained accurate records of personnel-related data using HR software systems
- Served as link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting contracts and policies and helping resolve work-related problems
- Analyzed data to identify and determine the causes of workforce issues and recommended improvements for the organization
- Developed the HR team and directed HR staff relating to employment, compensation, recruitment, and all HR programs
- Promoted to HR Director due to exceptional performance, and outstanding leadership skills
Human Resources Manager
ASHTON POTTER
07.2008 - 07.2009
- Ensured compliance with federal, state and local employment laws regarding all aspects of Human Resources management
- Conducted investigations for employee complaints and concerns to determine resolutions
- Managed employee lifecycle processes by handling onboarding, employee performance, separations, and discipline tasks
- Administered employee benefits programs, including medical HDHP insurance, and HRA accounts, retirement plans, ancillary benefit plans, and wellness programs
- Administered DBL, FMLA, workers' compensation claims, and COBRA processing
- Maintained an in-depth knowledge of labor laws and regulations
- Maintained accurate records of personnel-related data using HR software systems
- Established and maintained contact with external recruitment sources
- Administered loss prevention and safety training to reduce employee accidents
- Counseled employees about policies, job duties, wages, opportunities for promotion, and employee benefits
Payroll Administrator
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE
04.2008 - 07.2008
- Processed full-cycle payroll, ensuring the accuracy of pay and deductions
- Processed and issued employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions using the HRIS system
- Compiled employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other employee records
- Responded to employee inquiries and payroll related questions
- Created reports as needed and maintained employee payroll files
Education
MBA -
Medaille University
Buffalo, NY01-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Canisius University
Buffalo, NY01-1993
Skills
- Payroll administration
- Compliance management
- Human Resources Management
- Records management
- HRIS Management
- Workforce improvement
- FLSA/ADA/FMLA/NYS PFL/EEO
- Benefits Administration
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
05.2018 - 11.2024
Human Resources Manager
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
09.2009 - 05.2018
Human Resources Manager
ASHTON POTTER
07.2008 - 07.2009
Payroll Administrator
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE
04.2008 - 07.2008
MBA -
Medaille University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Canisius University
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