Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Richard

Austell,GA

Summary

Strategic and innovative human resource and business professional with a proven track record of success in improving performance, profitability, growth, and employee engagement. With over ten years of comprehensive human resources experience, successfully managed a multi-state and international workforce of 160+ employees, including senior leadership, mid-level management, full-time, part-time, and temporary staff. Expertise extends to managing payroll, benefits administration, administrative support, training and development, and employee relations. Known for multitasking and prioritizing effectively, possesses strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to make independent decisions. Highly equipped self-motivated professional with great attention to detail, reliable and energetic, capable of adapting to any environment.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Business Manager

City Of Chamblee
04.2020 - 01.2024
  • Managing day-to-day operations of Public Works.
  • Processes documentation about budget or general financial management; enters budget data.
  • Oversees departmental procurement, invoicing, expense reporting, petty cash, and asset management.
  • Manages departmental training, licensing, certifications, and accreditation.
  • Respond to departmental open record requests; assists City Clerk with departmental record retention.
  • Provides budgetary input and assists in preliminary forecasting of revenues and expenditures.
  • Prepares monthly reporting and analytics on departmental budgetary and financial activities to ensure fiscal responsibility: monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.
  • Project management, creating Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for bids to complete new City-wide projects.
  • Assists with developing and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and work strategies.
  • Maintains departmental events calendar and coordinates with Community and Economic Development Department to plan, organize, and facilitate outreach initiatives and events.
  • Serves as payroll liaison; manages departmental timesheets for completion, accuracy, and discrepancy resolution: calculates and submits requests for pay adjustments and corrections to HR for processing.
  • Prepares, issues, and submits completed Accident and Injury Reporting, Family Medical Leave paperwork, Short Term Disability paperwork, and Worker’s Compensation paperwork for processing by Human Resources. Submit Personnel Action Forms and other documentation about personnel/payroll.
  • Coordinates with Human Resources to schedule departmental interviews, employment offers, background checks, pre-employment screenings, onboarding, post-accident screenings, employee return to work status, off-boarding, exit interviews, and transition of personnel documentation.
  • Assists Human Resources in facilitating Benefit Open Enrollment, Performance Reviews, workplace conduct training, professional development, employee events, service awards, and data collection.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable terms for the company while maintaining strong relationships.
  • Communicated with customers and vendors positively with particular attention to problem resolution.
  • Improved operational workflows by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing appropriate solutions.
  • Increased overall team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing effective leadership.
  • Assisted with hiring process and training of new employees.
  • Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them grow professionally and contribute more effectively to the team''s goals.
  • Improved project delivery times, setting clear milestones and regularly monitoring progress against objectives.
  • Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, improving profit margins without sacrificing quality.
  • Boosted team morale and productivity by implementing regular feedback sessions and recognizing outstanding performances.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

Human Resources Generalist

City Of Chamblee
04.2018 - 04.2020
  • Promoted employee engagement, mediates employee disputes, and develops programs to recognize performance and promote employee retention.
  • Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decisionmaking.
  • Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
  • Facilitated criminal background check process for new hires.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and open-door policies.
  • Coordinated company-wide events such as town hall meetings or wellness activities, boosting employee morale and fostering a sense of community within the organization.
  • Conducted confidential investigations of discrimination, harassment and workplace violence.
  • Collaborated with payroll to complete and upload pay data and worked with managers to support proper wage and hour compliance.
  • Handled new-hire orientation and basic recruiting tasks for best-in-class talent identification.
  • Ensured legal compliance by staying current with federal and state regulations, reducing potential risks to the company.
  • Implemented and supervised orientation procedures for new hires.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased operational efficiency through the development of standard operating procedures.
  • Administered benefits programs effectively, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims for employees.
  • Understood, interpreted and mediated human resources inquiries to support administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
  • Coached managers through employee engagement, documentation, discipline and performance improvement plans.
  • Met with staff to resolve difficult situations related to performance and conflict management.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among employees, leading to improved workplace relationships and enhanced team collaboration.
  • Processed unemployment claims and acted as company representative at unemployment hearings.
  • Explained and administered medical insurance, disability and flexible spending accounts.
  • Developed and built internal and external relationships with project teams, department managers and consultant teams to improve delivery of HR services.
  • Improved organizational culture and morale through the implementation of employee engagement initiatives.
  • Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
  • Monitored employee attendance and performance, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Developed and implemented onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
  • Developed disaster and recovery strategy to prepare company for hazardous weather conditions, nuclear accidents and terrorist attacks.

Interim Human Resources Director

City Of Chamblee
09.2019 - 01.2020
  • Resumed HR Director position due to Maternity cover.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Established onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
  • Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
  • Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
  • Implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, fostering a welcoming workplace environment for all staff members.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with other department leaders to align HR strategy with overall business objectives.
  • Managed benefits administration, ensuring cost-effective coverage options for employees while staying within budget constraints.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Monitored administration of benefits program to maintain compliance with employee insurance program.
  • Answered employee inquiries regarding health benefits and 401k options.
  • Conducted exit interviews to better understand reasons why employees were separating from company.
  • Optimized HRIS systems for better data accuracy and ease of use by both HR professionals and employees.
  • Created succession planning initiatives to identify high-potential employees and prepare them for leadership roles within the organization.
  • Implemented wellness programs to promote employee health, leading to lower absenteeism rates and increased productivity.
  • Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
  • Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
  • Interviewed potential hires, negotiated salaries and benefits and performed reference checks.
  • Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
  • Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Conducted investigations and assisted with handling employee complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.
  • Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.

Interim Human Resources Director

City Of Chamblee
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Resumed HR Director position due to Maternity cover.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Established onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
  • Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
  • Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
  • Established and maintained processes, assisted with investigations regarding wrongdoing as directed by the City Manager; compiled reports to make recommendations based on the outcome of investigations; and proactively handled employee relations issues that may develop into legal matters.
  • Conducted exit interviews for employees separating and provided feedback and made recommendations to the departmental management regarding trends revealed in the exit interviews.
  • Placed job advertisements.
  • Worked with the insurance broker to provide information, assistance, and guidance to employees, dependents, former employees, or other individuals regarding benefit/insurance issues: provided benefit program information to educate employees regarding benefits provided by the City; informed employees of premium costs and deductions; interpreted and explained policies and plan coverages; reviewed documents, employee data, and summary plan documents to answer questions or resolve issues.
  • Processed COBRA, leaves of absence (LOA) documentation: reviewed and processed leave request forms; answered employees’ questions regarding leave policies and procedures; notifies employees of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) status; submits invoices to employees for insurance premiums due while on LOA; initiated disability application as appropriate; contacted employees and/or dependents to explain details of leave policies and procedures, and tracked LOA documents in the file.
  • Processed court orders for mandatory insurance coverage on employees’ minor dependents: provided requested information to state agencies regarding insurance coverage of employees and legal minor dependents.
  • Oversee services provided by contracted vendors for assigned departmental projects: recommended and/or selected vendors; prepares and submit the budget for assigned department; administered approved budget and monitored expenditures to ensure compliance, and provided budgetary input for other areas of City budgets relating to human resources.
  • Implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, fostering a welcoming workplace environment for all staff members.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with other department leaders to align HR strategy with overall business objectives.
  • Managed benefits administration, ensuring cost-effective coverage options for employees while staying within budget constraints.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Monitored administration of benefits program to maintain compliance with employee insurance program.
  • Answered employee inquiries regarding health benefits and 401k options.
  • Conducted exit interviews to better understand reasons why employees were separating from company.
  • Optimized HRIS systems for better data accuracy and ease of use by both HR professionals and employees.
  • Created succession planning initiatives to identify high-potential employees and prepare them for leadership roles within the organization.
  • Implemented wellness programs to promote employee health, leading to lower absenteeism rates and increased productivity.
  • Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
  • Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
  • Interviewed potential hires, negotiated salaries and benefits and performed reference checks.
  • Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
  • Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Conducted investigations and assisted with handling employee complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.
  • Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.

HR Consultant

Imperial Technologies
01.2016 - 12.2017
  • Retained to define the human resource function and help build a solid foundation to prepare for high-growth mode.
  • Assessing and refining onboarding process and documents; sourcing HRIS systems
  • Creating policies and procedures reflecting the core values of the company and its clients.
  • Perform bi-weekly payroll.
  • HRIS implementation, managing benefits administration, and Employee relations.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency by automating manual tasks and reducing paperwork.
  • Organized team-building events and activities to foster collaboration, increase morale, and improve overall productivity among staff members.
  • Improved workplace culture by initiating diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in higher employee satisfaction levels.
  • Conducted regular compensation reviews to ensure competitive pay rates, retaining key staff members.
  • Facilitated leadership development programs to nurture high-potential employees for future managerial roles.
  • Mentored HR team members in their professional development, promoting continuous learning and skills enhancement within the department.
  • Optimized talent acquisition process by leveraging data-driven insights, refining sourcing techniques and enhancing employer brand presence.
  • Designed effective succession planning strategies to prepare the organization for future leadership needs.
  • Developed comprehensive benefits packages to attract top talent and improve overall workforce satisfaction.
  • Enhanced employee retention by implementing effective onboarding and training programs.
  • Oversaw payroll administration duties ensuring accurate payment processing while adhering to relevant tax regulations.

HR Generalist/Payroll Specialist

Nexidia Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2016
  • Conduct New Hire Orientation and Exit Interviews – create new hire paperwork explain company policies, procedures, and benefits, and coordinate processes with Managers.
  • Perform accurate and timely multi-state payroll for salaried and hourly employees.
  • Responsible for benefits administration insurance and 401k, and provide relevant training regarding benefits.
  • Manage and maintain records of leave, LTD, STD, FMLA, Maternity, Military, and Workers Comp.
  • Manage and maintain all benefit plans and 401k plans, assist employees with relevant benefit and 401k training.
  • Verify and process ongoing employee data creation/maintenance relevant to the payroll, performance management, expense reporting/management, leave administration, and budgeted headcount systems
  • Performance management, employee relations, and retention.
  • Process tax notices, state rates, employee verifications, and government surveys with a payroll provider.
  • Assist with audits and special projects as required; focusing on process review and improvement initiatives.
  • Calculate retroactive pay for late pay adjustments, promotions, bonuses, or reclassification, and processes for payroll.
  • Maintain PTO accrual records, making all necessary adjustments and updates for rehires, terms, leaves, and transfers.
  • Analyze and track trends, turnover, creating, auditing, and maintaining employee data.
  • Manage and maintain employee personnel files for US and UK in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
  • Design-making, problem-solving, multi-tasking, and analytical skills, assist with Affirmative Action.
  • Manage quarterly and annual payroll reports, annual EEO1, and Vets-100/100A reporting.
  • Manage and maintain payroll records for the fiscal year and accounting Worker's Compensation audits.
  • Ensure compliance with ACA data tracking and reporting requirements.
  • Generate Flex and 401k transfers, deferrals, and loan payments. Provide GL and tax W/H reports to accounting per pay period.
  • Prepare DOL separation notification, COBRA letter, and stock option exercise agreements for termed employees.
  • Update the HRIS Paycom system with employee status changes, and qualifying events for all benefit plans.
  • Run weekly headcount and personnel activity reports including contractors list and company Org Chart to maintain budget and forecasting requirements.
  • Proficient in federal, state, city, and local taxes. Ensure all appropriate taxes, deductions, and contributions are accurately withheld for W-2’s.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decisionmaking.
  • Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
  • Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
  • Facilitated criminal background check process for new hires.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and open-door policies.
  • Collaborated with payroll to complete and upload pay data and worked with managers to support proper wage and hour compliance.
  • Handled new-hire orientation and basic recruiting tasks for best-in-class talent identification.
  • Administered benefits programs effectively, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims for employees.
  • Understood, interpreted and mediated human resources inquiries to support administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
  • Explained and administered medical insurance, disability and flexible spending accounts.
  • Developed and built internal and external relationships with project teams, department managers and consultant teams to improve delivery of HR services.
  • Updated key human resource metrics on turnover and terminations using reporting tools on HRMS database.
  • Liaised with HR and payroll to coordinate and manage employee leaves of absence.
  • Managed talent acquisition process, resulting in improved candidate quality and faster time-to-fill ratios.
  • Reduced employee turnover by creating a comprehensive onboarding program for new hires.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
  • Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
  • Planned, monitored and appraised employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Human Resource Management

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
04-2027

Associates - Business and Finance

Hammersmith & West London College
United Kingdom
01.1999

Skills

  • Software: MS Windows 07, Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Suite, WebEx, Paycom, Concur, SharePoint, Ariba, QuickBooks, ADP Workforce Now, SAP, Adobe, PeopleSoft, SuccessFactors, Salesforce, Success Factors, Ceridian Latitude, Ceridian Solutions, TAS, COOL, Tyler Intel Code 10, Cognito, MS Teams, Zoom
  • Client relations
  • Project coordination
  • Budget oversight
  • Critical analysis skills
  • Team leadership
  • Documentation expertise
  • Strategic business development
  • Client relationship management
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Problem-solving expertise
  • Team development and guidance
  • Strategic operational leadership
  • Business management
  • Team engagement strategies
  • Operational efficiency management
  • Strategic consulting
  • Employee training
  • Budget management
  • Human resources development
  • Conducting performance evaluations
  • Effective policy execution
  • Coaching expertise
  • Strategic project management
  • Talent acquisition
  • Contract administration
  • Effective verbal communication
  • Business administration
  • Collaborative teamwork

Certification

Certified Relationship Life Coach (PLC)

Timeline

Business Manager

City Of Chamblee
04.2020 - 01.2024

Interim Human Resources Director

City Of Chamblee
09.2019 - 01.2020

Human Resources Generalist

City Of Chamblee
04.2018 - 04.2020

Interim Human Resources Director

City Of Chamblee
01.2018 - 12.2018

HR Consultant

Imperial Technologies
01.2016 - 12.2017

HR Generalist/Payroll Specialist

Nexidia Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Human Resource Management

Western Governors University

Associates - Business and Finance

Hammersmith & West London College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE