Associate Director of Human Resources & Payroll

Description

LA County Fair Association located in Pomona, CA is looking for a dynamic HR leader with deep payroll expertise to join their team as the Associate Director of HR Operations & Payroll. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Risk, this role is pivotal in ensuring accurate payroll administration, compliance with complex regulations, and fostering a positive, service-driven culture that supports retention and engagement.

In this position, you will oversee all aspects of payroll processing for two distinct business entities with a large, diverse workforce - including union employees - ensuring accuracy and timeliness while navigating labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. You will lead compliance efforts across wage and hour, leaves, benefits, and retirement plans, including 401K audits, and maintain strong relationships with benefit brokers. This role also involves supervising a high-performing team, planning workloads, forecasting staffing needs, and coaching for success. Additionally, you will partner with leadership to sustain an inclusive, positive culture and deliver strategic HR solutions that align with organizational goals.

To be successful in this role, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field and bring at least eight years of progressive HR experience, including three years in management. Expertise in payroll, union relations, and retirement plan compliance is essential, along with strong knowledge of HR laws and accounting principles. Proficiency in Paycom and MS Office is required. This role demands exceptional attention to detail, organizational and time management skills, emotional intelligence, and a positive, collaborative attitude. If you are looking for a leadership role where you can make a difference, this is the opportunity for you!

Qualifications :

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Leadership, Business Administration, or a related field required; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience : Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in HR, with at least 3 years in a managerial role that includes managing payroll functions, Legal proceedings, and 401K audits.
• Experience working in a multi-company structure.
• Experience with systems implementation, integration, and migration.
• Certification : Professional certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-SCP, PHR) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge : Deep understanding of HR laws, regulations, payroll tax compliance, and employee retirement plan compliance.

Skills :

o Strong leadership and managerial skills with the ability to effectively coach and mentor a team.

o Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

o Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with employees, managers, and stakeholders.

o Budgeting & Forecasting for staff compensation and benefits

o Payroll to General Ledger reconciliation

o Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

o Proficiency in HRIS and payroll software (e.g., Paycom, Kronos, Paychex, ADP and strong Microsoft Excel skills.

o Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

o Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.