The HR Associate provides essential administrative and operational support across the full employee and contractor lifecycle. This role is the backbone of day-to-day HR operations — owning onboarding and offboarding processes, supporting accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and assisting with a broad range of HR functions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, process-driven, and comfortable serving as a reliable resource for both employees and HR leadership. This position is onsite 4 days a ​week in the New York office. Onboarding • Serve as the primary point of contact for new hires beginning Day One • Maintenance of new hire paperwork, including I-9s • Schedule new hire orientation sessions covering company policies, culture, and benefits enrollment • Data entry of new hires into HRIS/payroll/benefits platforms • Conduct/arrange 30-day check-ins with new employees and relay feedback to HR leadership • Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and filing systems Offboarding • Manage the end-to-end offboarding process for voluntary and involuntary separations • Prepare separation documentation including termination letters, COBRA notices, and final pay confirmations • Coordinate IT access revocation, equipment return, and badge deactivation with relevant departments • Schedule exit interviews • Process terminations accurately in the HRIS and ensure all separation records are complete • Ensure compliance with state-specific final pay and separation notice requirements Payroll & Benefit Support • Assist with semi-monthly payroll processing by creating and submitting changes • Verify employee changes (new hires, terminations, pay adjustments, status changes) in the payroll system prior to processing • Review payroll reports for discrepancies and flag errors for resolution before finalization • Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and W-2s in coordination with Payroll or Finance • Maintain organized payroll records in accordance with recordkeeping requirements • Support year-end payroll tasks including W-2 distribution and audit preparation HR Administration • Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel files (physical and digital) in compliance with recordkeeping standards • Process employment verifications and respond to unemployment inquiries • Assist with benefits administration including enrollment changes and life event updates • Administer paid time off in accordance with company policy, including reconciliation in 3E Elite and responding to employee inquiries. • Provide general administrative support to the HR team, as needed • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience) • 2–4 years of HR generalist, HR coordinator, or HR administrative experience • Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms (HiBob, ADP, or similar) • Familiarity with payroll processes and basic payroll systems • Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA) • Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite