HR Generalist - Illinois Human Resources Shared Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Human Resource Associate serves as an HR Generalist supporting colleges and departments served by Illinois Human Resources Shared Services, with primary responsibility for appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave administration, compliance, and related HR operations.

The position manages a high volume of routine and complex HR transactions across multiple employee groups; interprets and applies University policies and procedures; provides guidance to employees, supervisors, and unit contacts; and coordinates with campus partners to resolve issues. The position exercises independent judgment in managing assigned work, resolving discrepancies, and determining when consultation, referral, or escalation is appropriate.

• Responsible for employee appointments, troubleshooting transactions to ensure accurate results and escalating complex issues as needed.
• Enters routine and non-routine data and pulls reports. Ensures accuracy of input data and reports and/or resolves minor discrepancies. May develop new reports.
• Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback.

• Process payroll and timesheets. Address complex timesheet/leave issues and return timesheets/leave requests as needed. Process routine and non-routine pay adjustments.
• Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to time reporting and payroll.

• Administer and track FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories.
• Counsel and resolve issues related to leave. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to leave usage.

• Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews.
• Identifies areas of concern related to adherence to HR policies and legal requirements.

• Contributes to salary decisions and justifications with general oversight.
• Identifies and recommends compensation amounts for temporary/additional pay circumstances, escalating unique circumstances for additional input.
• Informs employees of available benefit offerings.

• Develop and maintain process documentation, templates, reference materials, training resources, and other tools; provide training and guidance regarding HR systems, processes, payroll practices, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and support opportunities to improve HR processes, consistency, documentation, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain current knowledge of University HR and payroll requirements and participate in HR projects, professional development, campus activities, and other related responsibilities in support of evolving Illinois Human Resources Shared Services and University needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

• At least one year of experience in human resources, budget, or a related field at the University of Illinois

• Knowledge of human resource principles, practices, policies, and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements related to appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave, and other employment processes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high volume of detailed HR and payroll work, balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research and resolve complex HR and payroll issues, interpret policies and procedures, and determine when consultation, referral, or escalation is appropriate.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills with the ability to provide clear guidance and work effectively with employees, supervisors, administrators, HR colleagues, and campus partners.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion while appropriately handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to effectively use and learn HR, payroll, and related information systems and to organize, analyze, and interpret HR information and data.

This is a 100% full-time Civil…