HR & Payroll Associate

NYCSBUS is seeking a detail-oriented and service-driven HR/Payroll Associate to support the critical functions of our Human Resources team. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career HR professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering high-quality support in payroll, recruitment, and employee services.

In this role, you will work closely with the Senior HR Manager and collaborate with the Senior Talent Acquisition Generalist and Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate payroll processing, seamless recruitment coordination, and responsive employee support. From maintaining HRIS records and assisting with benefits administration to supporting employee engagement initiatives and compliance reporting, you will play a vital role in strengthening the employee experience across our organization.

If you're ready to contribute to a mission that impacts over 1,800 employees and the communities they serve, we invite you to bring your precision, professionalism, and people-first mindset to NYCSBUS.

This position reports directly to the Senior HR Manager.

Why Join Us?

NYCSBUS is more than a workplace, it is a thriving community. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. When you join NYCSBUS, you become part of a purpose driven organization committed to uplifting New York City’s families, schools and neighborhoods.

The Company:

NYCSBUS (NYC School Bus Umbrella Services Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides school bus transportation services to New York City public and private school students, the majority of whom have Individualized Educational Programs. It operates more than 800 school bus routes throughout all of NYC with a staff of approximately 1,800 people from six locations with a budget of $218 million. NYSCBUS’s goal is to radically improve student bus transportation by innovating in all areas and by providing unprecedented transparency in bus operations to school districts that outsource this service.

Key Work Responsibilities:

Payroll Support Responsibilities:

• Maintain Payroll Data in HRIS: In collaboration with the Payroll Specialist, accurately enter, update, and audit payroll-related information in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS)(UKG), including employee status changes, compensation adjustments, timekeeping records, and tax documentation. Ensure data integrity and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Assist Payroll Specialist with Payroll Operations: Provide administrative support to the Payroll Specialist throughout the payroll cycles, including preparing reports, verifying time and attendance data, and organizing payroll documentation. Help ensure timely and accurate payroll processing for all employees.
• Support Payroll Processing Activities: Participate in payroll processing tasks as needed, such as reviewing timesheets, reconciling discrepancies, and coordinating with departments to resolve missing or inaccurate data. Assist in finalizing payroll runs and distributing pay stubs or direct deposit confirmations. In his absence, serves as the Payroll Specialist back-up.
• Respond to Employee Payroll Inquiries: Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions related to payroll, timekeeping systems, compensation, and deductions. Investigate and resolve routine issues or escalate complex matters to the Payroll Specialist or HR leadership as appropriate.
• Ensure Compliance and Confidentiality: Handle sensitive payroll data with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality. Follow established procedures to ensure compliance with labor laws, company policies, and audit requirements.
• Support Special Projects Led by Senior HR Manager: Assist the Senior HR Manager with ad hoc HR and payroll-related projects, including compiling and analyzing employee contributions data, preparing reports, and coordinating project logistics. Contribute to data accuracy and timely completion of project deliverables related to audits and others.

Human Resources Support Responsibilities:

• Recruitment Coordination: Partner closely with the Senior Talent Acquisition Generalist to support recruitment efforts, including scheduling interviews, conducting initial phone screenings, managing candidate communications, and maintaining applicant tracking systems. Ensure a smooth and professional experience for all candidates throughout the hiring process.
• HRIS Data Management: Maintain and regularly update employee records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring accuracy in personal information, job titles, compensation, and employment status. Assist with data audits and reporting to support compliance and strategic HR planning.
• Employee Engagement and Communications: Help plan and execute employee engagement initiatives, including wellness programs, recognition events, and internal campaigns. Support the development and distribution of HR communications such as newsletters, announcements, and policy updates.
• Compliance and Audit Assistance: Contribute to HR compliance efforts by assisting with documentation, reporting, and audit preparation. Ensure records are organized and accessible for internal reviews and external audits.
• Administrative Support for HR Projects: Provide day-to-day administrative support for various HR initiatives, including training logistics, policy rollouts, and special projects. Collaborate with HR team members to ensure timely execution and follow-through on departmental goals.

Other Duties

• Engage in PICK Season preparation
• Participate in All Hands On Deck
• Responsible for special projects as assigned

Qualifications & Job Competencies:

• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual a must (Spanish or Creole)
• 1–3 years of experience in HR or payroll administration, preferably in a fast-paced, multi-departmental environment.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems, especially UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting recruitment, benefits, and employee engagement initiatives is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in G-Suite
• Working knowledge of payroll systems, timekeeping platforms, and applicant tracking systems.
• Ability to generate reports to support data analysis for audits and compliance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range - $20.00 - 25.00 per hour
• Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, paid vacation, paid holidays, and PTO.

NYCSBUS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Organization

Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, paid vacation, paid holidays, and PTO.

Bilingual a must (Spanish or Creole)