HR & Benefits Specialist: Payroll & Compliance

Katbus; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays

Paid personal days

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation time

Job summary

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to support payroll, benefits, and leave programs such as FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability. This role maintains records, assists employees with questions, and upholds confidentiality while ensuring accurate HR operations.

The position also focuses on policy implementation, regulatory compliance, HR reporting, and cross‑department projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of directly related HR experience; military experience may count.
• Preferred: 4+ years of HR experience and unionized environment exposure.
• Knowledge of payroll, benefits, FMLA, Workers’ Comp and disability programs.
• Strong communication, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process daily payroll and manage benefits-related AP.
• Administer FMLA, workers’ compensation, and short-term disability.
• Maintain complete personnel files in compliance with laws.
• Generate HR reports and support process improvements.
• Serve as primary HR contact for veteran employees and ERG support.
• Communicate policy changes to employees and managers.

Skills

Payroll processes

Benefits administration

Leave administration

Regulatory compliance

HRIS

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to support payroll, benefits, and leave programs such as FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability. This role maintains records, assists employees with questions, and upholds confidentiality while ensuring accurate HR operations.

The position also focuses on policy implementation, regulatory compliance, HR reporting, and cross‑department projects.