Human Resources and Benefits Manager

Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is seeking a Human Resources and Benefits Manager to oversee and implement firmwide HR and benefits programs across multiple offices.
 
This role is responsible for managing all aspects of employee benefits administration and implementing key human resources initiatives, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and alignment with firm goals. The ideal candidate will bring a practical, responsive approach and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership partners, managers, and employees.
 
Initially the new hire will be asked to work in the office Monday through Friday, but once the tasks and responsibilities are learned, a hybrid schedule will be possible; three days in the office and two days remote. Our office is in downtown Chicago with access to public transportation and nearby parking facilities.
 
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic, stimulating, collaborative, and highly dedicated work environment built on collegiality and respect.
 
Compensation for this role will begin at $115,000+, with the final offer reflecting the candidate’s experience and credentials. This is an exempt role, and compensation is based on a 35-hour per week schedule. All full-time employees are eligible for annual performance-based raises and discretionary bonuses. The firm provides benefits plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan, which includes employer contributions.
 
Human Resources Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations in all states where employees are present. Keep informed of recent and changing employment-related laws, guidelines and trends, and recommend changes in policy/procedures or new initiatives;
• Maintain and update employee handbooks and HR policies, ensuring consistency with legal requirements and best practices on an annual basis;
• Interpret and apply firm policies, providing guidance to managers and employees on HR-related matters, including workplace concerns, accommodations, time off, and policy interpretation;
• Coordinate required labor postings in all offices and remote work environments;
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and contribute to building a positive and inclusive office culture firmwide;
• Coordinate HR-related training programs, including new hire and annual harassment prevention training, soft skills development and professional development initiatives for staff;
• Work closely with Talent Acquisition Manager on the creation of and updates to job descriptions;
• Provide guidance and support to managers on complex employee relations issues, performance improvement plans, and terminations;
• Attend and participate in employee disciplinary meetings and terminations, as needed;
• Supports annual performance review processes in coordination with firm leadership;
• Ensure data accuracy across the firm's HRIS systems and serve as a primary administrator and subject matter expert for HRIS and benefits platforms;
• Provide guidance on complex HR issues, conduct investigations in collaboration with firm leadership, and ensure fair and consistent application of firm policies;
• When needed, provide training and guidance to managers related to the interview process;
• Manage special HR projects or initiatives as directed by firm leadership;
• Coordinate new hire orientation sessions, introducing company policies, culture, organization structure, etc.; and
• Ensure completion of onboarding and pre-employment documentation, including verification of Form I-9 documentation through E-Verify to maintain federal compliance.

 
Benefits Administration Key Responsibilities:
 

• Serve as the main point of contact for all benefits administration, including managing the vendor renewal process and benefits orientation, and responding to all employee questions related to the firm’s benefit plans;
• Review and approve all benefits-related inputs to payroll, ensuring the accuracy of benefit deductions, retroactive deductions and leave-related payroll impacts;
• Manage annual open enrollment process, including working with broker to prepare annual renewal recommendations, distribution of open enrollment materials, system configuration, vendor coordination, testing, employee and partner communications and post-enrollment reconciliation;
• Confirm proper enrollment, terminations, accuracy of deductions, vendor invoice processing, auditing, record-keeping and reporting of the firm’s benefit programs;
• Coordinate leaves of absences, ADA accommodations and related documentation in conjunction with Office Administrators;
• Perform and complete all compliance reporting, including Form 5500 and EEO reporting; and
• Manage the firms flexible spending accounts and perform annual non-discrimination testing.

 
Qualifications:
 

• Minimum bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant work experience
• Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) certificate is highly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive, confidential information
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local labor and employment laws across many states; experience with California labor and employment laws preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational and time-management skills
• Experience working in a law firm or professional services environment is highly preferred
• Experience with Paylocity or similar payroll/HR system
• Experience with BSwift or similar benefits administration systems

 
Qualified candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter summarizing your work history to Human Resources and Benefits Manager. No phone calls or agencies, please.

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Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. We support and encourage workforce diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability in any of our recruitment, hiring, or placement processes.

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