Workforce Compliance Specialist

Job Summary

The Workforce Compliance Specialist supports the University's employment compliance programs by administering employment eligibility verification, international employment processing, employment tax compliance, and regulatory monitoring activities. The position serves as the primary operational resource for employment compliance transactions and works closely with Human Resources, Payroll, International Programs, hiring departments, and employees to ensure timely and accurate processing of employment eligibility and international employment requirements.

Title: Workforce Compliance Specialist

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Office of Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The Workforce Compliance Specialist supports the University's employment compliance programs by administering employment eligibility verification, international employment processing, employment tax compliance, and regulatory monitoring activities. The position serves as a primary operational resource for employment compliance transactions and works closely with Human Resources, Payroll, International Programs, hiring departments, and employees to ensure timely and accurate processing of employment eligibility and international employment requirements.

The Workforce Compliance Specialist monitors compliance activities, resolves routine and moderately complex issues, maintains employment compliance systems, conducts data audits, and supports continuous process improvement initiatives. The position serves as a subject matter expert for employment eligibility, work authorization, and international employment processes while providing exceptional customer service and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Administer the University's employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process for faculty, staff, students, temporary employees, and other employee populations.
• Review employment eligibility documentation for completeness and compliance with federal regulations.
• Process and monitor E-Verify cases and assist in resolving tentative non-confirmations and other employment eligibility issues.
• Monitor pending employment eligibility cases to ensure timely completion and follow-up.
• Assist departments and employees with employment eligibility documentation requirements.

• Coordinate employment processing for international faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral associates, and student employees.
• Review employment documentation to ensure work authorization requirements are satisfied prior to employment.
• Maintain employment authorization records and monitor work authorization expiration dates.
• Coordinate with International Programs and campus departments regarding employment documentation requirements.
• Assist employees with employment-related documentation and compliance questions.

• Administer the University's international employment tax system (Sprintax or successor application).
• Review tax residency determinations and tax treaty documentation.
• Process tax treaty renewals and maintain supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with Payroll to ensure proper tax withholding for international employees.
• Research and resolve routine international tax compliance questions.

• Conduct routine audits of employment eligibility records, work authorization documentation, employment tax records, and related compliance activities.
• Maintain and provide data reporting for AAP and Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) compliance.
• Monitor system reports to identify missing documentation, expired work authorizations, and outstanding compliance issues.
• Research and resolve data discrepancies across HR systems.
• Maintain compliance tracking reports and dashboards.
• Assist with internal and external compliance audits.

• Maintain employment compliance records within ERP and related compliance applications.
• Monitor interfaces between ERP, E-Verify, Sprintax, and other compliance systems.
• Perform data validation and reconciliation activities.
• Assist with testing system updates and new functionality.
• Support implementation of new compliance technologies and automation initiatives.

• Respond to employee and departmental inquiries regarding employment eligibility, work authorization,…