Lisa Cunha
Hampton,NH
Summary
Experienced in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance management. Leverage effective communication and organizational skills to support HR operations. Knowledge of HR best practices ensures seamless integration and implementation of HR policies and programs. Comprehensive background in managing diverse HR functions, proven ability to enhance employee relations and drive organizational success through strategic HR planning. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to dynamic workplace needs with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HR Generalist
Johnson's Lumber
03.2025 - 05.2025
- Ensured accurate and timely payroll processing by verifying and submitting employee timekeeping data.
- Executed weekly payroll for 22 employees, maintaining compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Audited time records to confirm accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing, adhering to established organizational standards.
HR Business Partner / Senior Payroll Specialist
Cambridge Institute
01.2015 - 06.2024
- Managed end-to-end payroll operations for 450+ employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Engineered automated payroll and reconciliation systems, significantly reducing errors and improving processing efficiency.
- Led modernization of legacy payroll systems, implementing strategic automation to streamline workflows and enhance reporting accuracy.
- Orchestrated tax reporting and Form 5500 submissions, maintaining a flawless audit compliance record.
- Developed a comprehensive payroll automation framework that reduced processing time while maintaining precision.
- Facilitated seamless integration between payroll and HRIS systems, optimizing benefits administration and data accuracy.
- Uploaded and adjusted time records to maintain a clean and accurate payroll database.
- Partnered with HR leadership to enhance onboarding processes, accelerating new hire integration and improving employee experience.
- Conducted new hire orientations and supported recruitment efforts, including resume screening and job posting development.
- Provided guidance to managers and employees on payroll, FMLA, benefits, and talent management policies.
- Handled unemployment claims and represented the organization in hearings, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
- Conducted confidential investigations into discrimination, harassment, and workplace violence, ensuring resolution and adherence to company policies.
- Coached managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and employee engagement strategies.
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Delivered HR and payroll training sessions to staff, managers, and executives to promote policy understanding and system proficiency.
- Worked with global business leaders to deploy new training strategies and improve HR service delivery.
- Built strong relationships with project teams, department managers, and consultants to enhance cross-functional collaboration.
- Coordinated implementation of HR services, policies, and programs across departments to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Conducted performance reviews and advised managers on employee development and feedback strategies.
- Reduced expenses by analyzing compensation policies and implementing competitive, legally compliant programs.
- Supported audit preparation and execution, facilitating faster and more efficient completion of audit tasks.
Payroll Coordinator / HR Generalist
MRV Communications
01.2010 - 12.2014
- Investigated payroll variances and employee claims to resolve discrepancies and maintain accurate financial records.
- Implemented Concur Travel and Expense system to streamline reimbursement processes.
- Updated and maintained all HR and payroll-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance and clarity.
- Researched and corrected payroll errors; processed payments for federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and employee deductions including annuities and retirement plans.
- Prepared and processed documentation for new hires and terminations to ensure accurate payroll integration.
- Provided responsive and confidential support to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.
- Collaborated with accounting and other departments to verify payroll accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of payroll data and employee records in accordance with company policy.
- Organized executive meetings and coordinated logistics for quarterly sales meetings and annual company gatherings.
- Resolved employee concerns through active listening and effective communication, escalating complex issues when necessary.
- Consistently received high performance evaluations for accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism.
- Implemented Performance system for yearly Reviews.
- Open Enrollment for Benefits.
- Calculated overtime, vacation, and sick leave to ensure accurate payroll processing.
- Uploaded and adjusted time records in payroll systems to maintain data integrity and compliance.
HR Business Partner / Payroll Lead
East Coast Cable
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Managed bi-weekly payroll for 250+ employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies.
- Audited timekeeping data and resolved discrepancies to maintain payroll integrity.
- Served as a trusted HR advisor, mediating employee relations issues and promoting a positive work environment.
- Automated administrative processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual errors.
- Provided cross-functional support, including front office coverage and team coordination.
- Assessed team strengths and restructured responsibilities to optimize performance.
- Recruited, trained, and coached staff, conducted performance reviews, and managed compensation planning.
- Conducted financial reviews to support cost control and strategic planning.
- Ensured full compliance with payroll laws and internal audit standards.
- Managed payroll distribution logistics and provided guidance on payroll policies, taxes, and benefits.
- Developed and implemented employee recognition programs to boost morale and retention.
- Supported HRIS implementation and data migration efforts to streamline payroll and HR processes.
Payroll Coordinator
Placement Pros
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Prepared and processed payroll data for approximately 5,500 employees including inputting data from time sheets into payroll system.
- Organized all payroll files including payroll reports; new hire information and existing employee data changes.
- Processed multi-state garnishments, ensuring compliance and precision.
- Collaborated with HR to ensure timely and accurate payroll for all employees.
- Managed payroll system entries, resolving discrepancies to maintain data integrity.
- Generated payroll reports and conducted audits, enhancing data accuracy.
- Handled employee inquiries, providing clear guidance on payroll policies.
- Redesigned employee self-service portal for payroll inquiries, significantly reducing response time and improving user satisfaction.
- Streamlined multi-state payroll processing and compliance protocols while managing employee data integrity through systematic audits and reporting mechanisms.
- Spearheaded portal redesign initiative, optimizing self-service payroll functionality and enhancing the overall user experience across departments.
- Implemented an automated payroll reconciliation system, reducing processing time and minimizing discrepancies through integrated data validation.
- Cultivated strong interdepartmental relationships by delivering responsive support and clear communication on complex payroll matters.
- Orchestrated comprehensive payroll audits and compliance reviews, establishing robust quality control measures for data accuracy.
- Collaborated with HR to implement policies, enhancing compliance and employee satisfaction.
- Managed benefits program, ensuring smooth enrollment and accurate records for 160 employees.
- Handled Worker's Compensation reports, supporting safety initiatives and policy adherence.
- Streamlined hiring process, improving candidate experience and retention for future roles.
- Processed payroll data, ensuring timely and accurate payments for a large workforce.
- Optimized HR policy implementation and compliance monitoring, maintaining a strong knowledge of Federal and State employment regulations.
- Led employee relations initiatives, resolving workplace concerns and providing guidance on benefits, 401(k) programs, and company procedures.
- Coordinated workers' compensation incident reporting and safety program activities, ensuring thorough documentation and policy adherence.
- Managed end-to-end recruitment processes, from advertisement placement to new hire orientation, while maintaining candidate databases for future positions.
- Developed automated payroll validation protocols, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy for 160 employees.
- Reconciled complex payroll discrepancies and tax adjustments, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Prepared weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports as required by law and for management.
- Archived all organized files by translating paper documents to electronic file and saving to payroll designated servers for environmental storage and accessible research.
- Retrieved weekly payroll summary information for quarterly financial payroll reconciliation.
- Assisted in auditing payroll data during payroll processing to ensure accurate and complete information in payroll systems.
- Responded to payroll inquiries within a reasonable time frame in a courteous and professional manner.
- Proposed solution when information is needed or errors occur.
- Responsible for closing Payroll by storing all data processed; storing payroll CDs; retrieving important documentation from payroll packages and distributing to the payroll team as necessary.
- Assisted with additional payroll projects as needed.
Skills
- HR policies and procedures
- Onboarding and orientation
- Benefits administration
- Talent acquisition
- Payroll administration
- Employee relations management
- Employee counseling
- Job analysis
- Strategic HR planning
- Organizational development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Succession planning
- Employee retention
- Exit interviews
- Recruitment and selection
- HRIS management
- Employee engagement
- Employee relations
- Event management
- Training development
- Performance management
Certification
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
Languages
Portuguese
Timeline
HR Generalist
Johnson's Lumber
03.2025 - 05.2025
HR Business Partner / Senior Payroll Specialist
Cambridge Institute
01.2015 - 06.2024
Payroll Coordinator / HR Generalist
MRV Communications
01.2010 - 12.2014
HR Business Partner / Payroll Lead
East Coast Cable
01.2010 - 12.2011
Payroll Coordinator
Placement Pros
01.2004 - 12.2009
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