HR Operations Senior Coordinator

Sidley Austin; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking an HR Operations Senior Coordinator to maintain accurate HR data in Workday HCM Cloud and electronic personnel files (OnBase). You will audit data, support I-9 and E-Verify processes, and provide case management support within a hybrid environment in Illinois.

The role emphasizes data accuracy, processing efficiency, and secure handling of sensitive information, with opportunities to grow toward independent ownership of processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong data entry skills, both alpha and numeric.
• High attention to detail and defect-free data.
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint experience; Workday HCM knowledge is a strong asset.
• Follow SOPs and QRGs; identify minor improvements.
• Service-driven mindset with HR data handling experience.
• Experience with case management tools and prioritization.
• Clear communication within the HR Operations team.

Responsibilities

• Input and maintain employee data in Workday for lifecycle events.
• Verify source data for accuracy and completeness; resolve discrepancies.
• Conduct HR data audits and support internal audits (I-9, document retention).
• Enter and process transactions end-to-end per SOPs; document changes.
• Manage Workday Help cases; escalate as needed to supervisors.
• Guide and assist L1 team members on process questions and SOPs.
• Process downstream notifications for HR transactions per SOPs.
• Support background checks with HireRight and track status.
• Run and distribute HR/Workday reports to stakeholders.
• Assist with Workday testing, updates, and process validations.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Communication

Case management

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Workday HCM

Job description

The HR Operations Senior Coordinator is a developing member of the HR Operations team responsible for the accurate input, maintenance, audit, and reporting of HR data within Workday HCM Cloud and electronic personnel files (OnBase). This role is accountable for data accuracy, processing efficiency, and the secure retrieval of sensitive employee information, ensuring all required protocols and compliance standards are consistently upheld.

This role works under moderate supervision and is developing deeper expertise across HR Operations processes, with designated process ownership for Exit Management, Employee Data Management, and Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The Senior Coordinator may make minor adjustments to standard work methods when appropriate and may provide day-to-day guidance and assistance to HR Operations Coordinator (L1) team members. This individual is an experienced support-level individual contributor who is building toward greater independence in their assigned process areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares and inputs people and job data in Workday for employee lifecycle events including new hire, job change, termination, personal data changes, compensation adjustments, position updates, and other required data transactions.
• Reviews and verifies source data to confirm accuracy and completeness prior to entry; follows up with appropriate parties to resolve discrepancies or missing information.
• Conducts regular Workday data audits for transactions entered via Employee Self Service, Manager Self Service, and by Local HR to maintain overall data integrity, identifying and escalating inconsistencies in accordance with firm procedures.
• Participates in scheduled internal audits including I-9, document retention, and Workday data accuracy audits; supports audit tracking and follow-up documentation under direction of HR Operations leadership.
• Develops expertise in assigned HR Operations processes, executing end-to-end transactions in accordance with established SOPs while seeking guidance from senior team members on non-routine or ambiguous matters; maintains process documentation under direction.
• Manages and resolves Workday Help cases at Tier 1–2 levels for HR Operations-related inquiries, managing a moderate-volume caseload; documents case actions, holds, and resolutions in accordance with SOP-2.1.1 case management standards; escalates complex, sensitive, or high-priority cases to the HR Operations Supervisor. All team members are expected to flex across case tier levels based on business volume and need.
• Provides day-to-day guidance and assistance to HR Operations Coordinator (L1) team members; serves as an informal resource for process questions and SOP clarification.
• Executes manual downstream notifications for applicable employee and contingent worker transactions in accordance with People Operations notification protocols and established SOPs.
• Supports data corrections and rescinds in Workday under the dual-approval protocol; identifies downstream impact concerns and escalates per established procedures before initiating any correction action.
• Reviews data discrepancies, requests clarification as needed, and escalates issues to the HR Operations Supervisor or Senior Manager as appropriate.
• Processes background checks for new hires in partnership with the process owner and third-party vendor (HireRight), tracking status and escalating issues as needed. (Note: HR Operations Coordinator team members may be cross-trained on basic BGC handling in a phased approach as bandwidth allows.)
• Inputs and maintains documents in electronic personnel files via OnBase, ensuring proper organization and retrieval standards are followed.
• Responds to employment verification requests accurately and in a timely manner.
• Processes completed Form I-9 and E-Verify submissions to determine and document employment eligibility.
• Runs, formats, and distributes scheduled and ad hoc HR Operations / Workday reports to key stakeholders.
• Supports Workday system testing, updates, and enhancements as an owner and knowledgeable participant in testing and process validation efforts.
• Assists with HR Operations projects and initiatives as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Education/or Experience:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong data entry skills, both alpha and numeric
• High level of attention to detail — must demonstrate a keen eye and passion for defect-free process and data accuracy
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Workday HCM knowledge is a strong asset
• Ability to follow and apply established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quick Reference Guides (QRGs); beginning to identify minor improvement opportunities
• Strong service delivery mentality with demonstrated experience working with sensitive HR data
• Demonstrated experience with case management tools for task assignment and completion; comfortable prioritizing work based on service level requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively within the immediate HR Operations team; can provide information requiring some explanation or interpretation
• Curious, self-starter developing toward greater independence in processing protocols

Preferred:

• A minimum of 1–2 years of experience in an HR support, data entry, or case management role
• Bachelor’s degree
• Prior experience in a Human Resources or professional services environment
• Prior experience with cloud-based Human Resources Information Systems, preferably Workday HCM

Other Skill and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and good judgment
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

#LI-GK1

#LI-Hybrid

The target salary range for this role is:

$55,000 - $60,000 if located in Illinois.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.