Human Resources Generalist

Continental Hydraulics and Hydreco; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with employer contribution

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

Continental Hydraulics is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support payroll, timekeeping, benefits, and HR operations in Shakopee, Minnesota. Reporting to the HR Manager, you’ll ensure accurate payroll processing, maintain records, and assist with onboarding, leave administration, and compliance.

You will collaborate with Finance and department managers to maintain data integrity, handle audits, and provide timely HR support across benefits, 401(k), and recruitment activities.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of payroll and HR generalist experience, including hands‑on payroll processing.
• ADP WFN experience strongly preferred or other payroll systems.
• Experience administering employee benefits and retirement plan.
• Knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour requirements, payroll deductions, taxes, and timekeeping.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly hourly and bi-weekly salaried payroll accurately and timely.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees and payroll and timekeeping questions.
• Review employee timecards for completeness, accuracy, appropriate approvals, missed punches, and other discrepancies.
• Work with employees and supervisors to resolve timekeeping issues prior to payroll processing.
• Review payroll registers and reports to identify discrepancies prior to payroll finalization.
• Process payroll adjustments and corrections as necessary.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS administration

ADP WFN experience

Benefits administration

Recruiting & onboarding

Timekeeping

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Discretion & professionalism

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ADP WFN

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Located in Shakopee, Minnesota, Continental Hydraulics has been delivering innovative hydraulic solutions for more than 60 years. As a leading manufacturer of industrial and mobile hydraulic components and systems, we are committed to helping our customers improve productivity, profitability, efficiency, and performance through engineering excellence and exceptional quality.

Our comprehensive product portfolio includes hydraulic valves, pumps, power units, proportional controls, and custom-engineered solutions— We aim to be an indispensable presence for our customers by providing advanced technologies and solutions while anticipating their ever-changing needs and backed by an experienced team dedicated to customer success.

At Continental Hydraulics, we don't just solve today's challenges—we engineer the solutions of tomorrow. We continuously seek new opportunities to innovate, developing durable, high-performance hydraulic products that support a wide range of industries and demanding applications worldwide.

If you are seeking an opportunity to contribute to an established organization with a strong legacy, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation, we invite you to join our team.

Position Summary

The Human Resource Generalist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department, with primary responsibility for accurate and timely payroll processing, timekeeping administration and maintaining a high level of detail. The position also provides support in benefits and retirement plan administration, recruiting and onboarding, leave administration, employee records, compliance, and other HR functions.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, this position serves as a resource for employees regarding payroll, timekeeping, benefits, and general HR questions. The HR/Payroll Generalist provides dedicated operational support to strengthen the HR function and improve the accuracy, efficiency, and continuity of payroll and HR processes. Interacts closely with the Finance Department and employees ensuring HR and payroll processes are accurate, timely, compliant, and effectively administered.

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly hourly and bi-weekly salaried payroll accurately and timely.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees and payroll and timekeeping questions.
• Review employee timecards for completeness, accuracy, appropriate approvals, missed punches, and other discrepancies.
• Work with employees and supervisors to resolve timekeeping issues prior to payroll processing.
• Review payroll registers and reports to identify discrepancies prior to payroll finalization.
• Process payroll adjustments and corrections as necessary.
• Conduct ongoing payroll and HRIS audits to maintain data integrity and accuracy.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and records.
• Coordinate payroll-related reconciliations and discrepancies with Finance.
• Support payroll audits, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Benefits & 401(k) Administration

• Assist with employee benefits and 401(k) enrollments, changes, terminations, eligibility, and contribution elections.
• Assist employees with benefit and retirement plan questions, enrollment, and qualifying life events.
• Support open enrollment, benefit renewals, 401(k) audits, ACA reporting and required documentation.
• Maintain accurate benefit and retirement plan records and ensure changes are properly reflected in payroll and vendor systems.
• Assist with administration and tracking of FMLA and other applicable leaves of absence.
• Monitor leave dates, documentation requirements, return-to-work information, and applicable benefit/payroll changes.
• Assist with recruiting activities, including job postings, applicant screening, interview coordination, and candidate communications.
• Coordinate background checks, drug screening, and other applicable pre-employment requirements.
• Prepare new-hire documentation and coordinate onboarding activities.
• Assist with new-hire orientation and completion of required employment documentation.
• Complete and maintain Form I-9 documentation and other required employment records.
• Coordinate new-hire information with appropriate departments.

Employee Records & HRIS Administration

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel records.
• Enter and maintain employee information within the HRIS/payroll system.
• Process employee status changes, including compensation, position, department, supervisor, schedule, and employment-status changes.
• Conduct routine audits of HRIS and employee records for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain required employment documentation in accordance with Company policy and applicable record-retention requirements.
• Support HR compliance activities, audits, reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Assist with employee communications, forms, policies, and HR procedures.
• Escalate complex employee relations, compliance, disciplinary, or policy matters to the HR Manager.
• Perform other related Human Resources duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of payroll and HR generalist experience, including hands‑on payroll processing.
• ADP WFN experience strongly preferred or other payroll systems,
• Experience administering employee benefits and retirement plan.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour requirements, payroll deductions, taxes, and timekeeping.
• Knowledge of employee benefits, 401(k) administration, and enrollment processes.
• General knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance, recruiting, onboarding, and leave administration.
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated accuracy in payroll and employee data.
• Ability to independently manage recurring payroll deadlines and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to reconcile discrepancies.
• Proficient in HR/payroll systems, ADP, Microsoft Office, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively assist employees and managers.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organizational, follow‑through, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees and vendors.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, hourly position with an expected annualized salary of $63,000 - $75,000; depending on qualifications and experience.

• Medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, company sponsored life insurance and 401k with employer contribution.
• Accidental, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Legal and Pet Insurance.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.

Working Conditions

• Office environment: Long periods of sitting at desk, some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer may be required.
• Occasional movement throughout the office and manufacturing facility may be required; applicable safety requirements must be followed when entering production areas.

Continental Hydraulics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.