People Operations & Payroll Specialist

About Fuel Cycle:

Fuel Cycle empowers leading organizations with agile research solutions that deliver decision-ready insights — fast, flexible, and fully integrated. As a market research disruptor, our AI-powered Insights Platform is built for speed, precision, and scale. With cutting-edge tools and seamless audience connectivity, we help brands ditch the guesswork and make smarter, customer-led decisions at lightning speed.

Why work at Fuel Cycle?

Join a high-growth team where curiosity is valued, ownership is encouraged, and your work drives real-world impact. Whether you’re based at our Los Angeles HQ, New York City hub, working remotely across the U.S., or part of our global team in India, you’ll help shape the future of decision intelligence for some of the world’s most iconic brands.

Overview:

As our People Operations & Payroll Specialist, you will be the primary owner of our payroll, benefits, and core HR systems. You’ll ensure every pay cycle is accurate and compliant, benefits are administered smoothly, and our HRIS and payroll platforms are optimized to support a great employee experience. You’ll also manage key elements of the employee lifecycle, including multi-state and global (EOR) hiring and onboarding, HR compliance, and people operations, helping us deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for our in-office and remote teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Ownership

• Own and execute bi-monthly payroll with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness, including audits, reconciliations, and issue resolution.

• Manage employee benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, terminations, and day-to-day employee inquiries.

• Serve as the primary administrator of our HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., HiBob, Paylocity, Oyster, Empower, Sequoia), ensuring data integrity, accurate configuration, and strong system controls.

• Partner with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate payroll accounting, deductions, and reporting.

• Act as the main liaison with HR, payroll, benefits, and EOR vendors, ensuring SLAs are met and systems/processes are continuously improved.

• Support and help execute on our compensation and benefits strategy to remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with business goals.

People Operations, Multi-State & Global EOR Hiring

• Support the full employee lifecycle from onboarding through offboarding to ensure a seamless experience for team members.

• Own and administer people operations processes and documentation, ensuring our systems of record are accurate, consistent, and up to date.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day employee inquiries related to HR policies, procedures, payroll, and benefits.

• Provide generalist support for various people programs and projects across engagement, performance, and culture initiatives.

• Coordinate multi-state hiring in the U.S., ensuring payroll, benefits, and compliance requirements are met across jurisdictions.

• Manage global hiring through EOR partners (e.g., Oyster), including onboarding, documentation, and coordination with vendors to ensure compliant, timely, and accurate setup of international employees.

HR Compliance, Audits & Reporting

• Own and drive HR compliance processes, ensuring adherence to federal, state, local, and applicable international/EOR requirements.

• Conduct regular audits of payroll, benefits, HRIS data, and personnel files to maintain accuracy and mitigate risk.

• Lead the annual 401(k) audit in partnership with Finance and our external audit firm, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of all required documentation.

• Support cross-functional audit work on People-related materials for SOC 2 and other compliance reviews, partnering closely with Finance, Security, and external auditors.

• Prepare and maintain required HR reports, metrics, and dashboards for leadership and cross-functional partners.

• Administer leave of absence and disability processes, ensuring compliance and a supportive employee experience.

Employee Lifecycle & Data Integrity

• Facilitate new hire onboarding and offboarding processes, including system setup, documentation, and communications for both U.S. and global (EOR) hires.

• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records and ensure data hygiene across all systems.

• Continuously optimize HRIS and payroll workflows, recommending improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and automation.

Your Success Metrics:

• Payroll Accuracy & Timeliness: Zero missed cycles, minimal errors, and quick resolution of issues.

• Data Integrity: Accurate and up-to-date HRIS and payroll data, reflected in clean audits and reliable reporting.

• Operational Efficiency: Smooth, on-time execution of onboarding, offboarding, and lifecycle changes (U.S. and global/EOR).

• Compliance: Timely and accurate compliance with HR laws and regulations (multi-state and international/EOR); no compliance-related violations or fines.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from employees, managers, Finance, and external vendors on responsiveness, accuracy, and partnership.

Who you’ll work with?

• Internal: People Operations, Finance, Team Leaders, and Employees across the organization.

• External: HRIS, payroll, benefits, and EOR vendors and partners.

Competencies, Skills & Attributes:

Competencies

• Proven ability to systematize HR operations with emphasis on payroll, HRIS, benefits, and multi-state compliance

• Hands-on experience running end-to-end payroll and benefits for multi-state U.S. and global EOR employees

• Skilled in administering and optimizing HRIS/payroll platforms, often as a system admin or “power user”

• Strong track record managing the employee lifecycle, HR audits/reporting, and cross-functional partnerships (People, Finance, vendors)

Skills

• Advanced payroll processing and benefits administration capabilities

• Strong working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems

• Excellent communication and analytical skills for audits, reconciliations, and data reporting

• High level of technical proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Asana, and the ability to quickly learn new tools

Attributes

• Detail-obsessed and accuracy-focused, especially in payroll, benefits, and compliance

• High integrity, confidentiality, and empathy in handling sensitive employee matters

• Service-oriented, collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence

• Proactive, curious, and adaptable problem-solver who exercises sound judgment aligned with Fuel Cycle’s values

What you’ll bring:

• 2–4+ years of demonstrated success in HR operations, with emphasis on payroll, HRIS, benefits, and multi-state compliance

• Experience in fast-paced environments, ideally startup or tech

• Experience supporting multi-state U.S. teams

• Experience working with or coordinating global employees via EOR providers (e.g., Oyster)

• Experience as a system admin or heavy user of HRIS/payroll platforms

Bonus points if you have experience:

• In startup or tech environments

• HiBob, Paylocity, Oyster, Asana, Sequoia

• 401k & SOC2 audit experience

Benefits & Perks:

Fuel Cycle is committed to supporting the well-being, flexibility, and growth of our team. We offer a competitive and inclusive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• 401(k) with Company Match: Plan for your future with our retirement savings program

• Equity Purchase Option: Participate in Fuel Cycle’s long-term success

• Flexible Work Schedule: Empowering you to balance life and work

• Generous Time Off:

  • 15 vacation days and 7 sick days per year

  • 12 company holidays

  • 4 floating holidays/recharge days to rest or celebrate what matters to you

• Paid Parental Leave: Time to bond with your growing family

• Monthly Internet & Phone Stipend: Support for remote work setup

• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Access to tools like Rightway (healthcare navigation), Headspace (mental wellness), and more

• Team Connection Perks:

  • Weekly community lunches, refreshments, and snacks at our LA & NY headquarters

  • Pet-friendly office environments

Location: Los Angeles

Work Arrangement: This is an onsite role requiring four days per week in the office, with one flexible remote day each week based on team needs.

Compensation Overview:

The expected starting salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000. This range represents the typical starting compensation offered to candidates hired into this role. Final base salary will be determined based on a variety of factors, including location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education, and certifications.

In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus with a target of 5% of base salary. Actual bonus amounts, if any, are determined at the company’s sole discretion and may vary based on individual performance, company performance, and market conditions. This role may also be eligible for an equity grant or purchase option. These components make up your total compensation package, which will be reviewed in greater detail during your initial recruiter conversation.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Equal Opportunity:

At Fuel Cycle, we embrace the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to fostering an inclusive company culture. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, should have equal access to opportunities for growth and advancement. Our selection processes and career pathways are designed to be fair, transparent, and free from bias. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of each team member, knowing that this diverse range of experiences strengthens our team. Fuel Cycle stands firmly against discrimination based on disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Fuel Cycle is an equal opportunity employer and fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as needed, to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job and participate in the application and interview process. If you require accommodations during any part of the application process, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.

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