What You'll Do
- Own and manage biweekly payroll processing, partnering with Payroll to ensure accuracy; audit payroll data, verify timesheets, wage calculations, deductions, and withholdings, and resolve discrepancies.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for any employee related inquiries.
- Administer and maintain the HRIS (UKG Pro), ensuring accuracy of company and employee data, process workflows, automated file feeds, end of year processes; liaise with UKG consultants as needed to troubleshoot issues and implement system enhancements.
- Administer employee benefits programs, including new hire enrollments, life events, and open enrollment; coordinate employee education sessions. Work closely with Benefit Brokers and UKG Pro for new benefit implementations and enrollment configurations.
- Manage employee leaves of absence, including CFRA, FMLA, PDL, PFL, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation, ensuring full compliance with federal and California regulations. Knowledge in New York and Connecticut leave law is a plus.
- Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure alignment with current laws, regulations, and business practices.
- Ensure the company’s required Compliance: Maintain accurate and compliant personnel files, training records, and employment documentation.
- Proactively and monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws (with an emphasis on California) and support the implementation of compliant policies and practices.
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, including new hire documentation, I-9 compliance, benefits enrollment, final pay coordination, and exit interviews.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR operations, documentation, and standard operating procedures using HR best practices.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support evolving business priorities.
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years of experience in HR generalist, payroll, and/or benefits administration roles.
- Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms, preferably UKG Pr
- Strong working knowledge of federal and California employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leaves of absence, and workplace accommodations.
- Experience supporting payroll and HR operations for a small California-based workforce.
- Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented, and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- SHRM-CP or PHR certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, or a related field.
- Knowledge of California, New York, and Connecticut employment laws.
Top Skills
What We Do
About Illumination Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me—the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history—as well as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets and Sing films. Illumination’s soon-to-be released The Super Mario Bros. Movie will join a studio library that includes two of the top 10 animated films of all time. Illumination’s iconic, beloved franchises—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $8 billion worldwide. Illumination has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures. Illumination’s upcoming films in 2023 include The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Migration. Illumination is based in Santa Monica, CA and its studio, Illumination Studios Paris, is located in the center of Paris








