Human Resources & Payroll Administrator

Join a team that prioritizes precision, compliance, and a positive employee experience. This onsite Human Resources and Payroll role supports four Jerry's Auto Group dealership locations across Lennox, Beresford, Vermillion, and Sheldon, leveraging Paylocity and CDK in a fast paced automotive environment. The position offers a salary of USD 55,000 - 65,000 per yearly, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture rooted in teamwork, accountability, and professional development. The role is based in Lennox, SD (onsite) with periodic travel to other locations as needed.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Accident insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Critical Illness
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with company match

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR contact for all employees across Lennox, Beresford, Vermillion, and Sheldon locations
• Maintain and update employee records, personnel files, and HR databases in accordance with legal requirements
• Develop, implement, and communicate HR policies and procedures aligned with dealership goals
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, including South Dakota and Iowa regulations
• Manage unemployment claims, workers' compensation cases, and OSHA recordkeeping
• Coordinate job postings, screening, interviews, and offer letters in partnership with department managers
• Onboarding and offboarding: design a structured onboarding experience for all locations; conduct new employee orientation covering culture, policies, systems, and compliance
• Collect and verify new hire documentation (I-9, W-4s, direct deposit, benefit enrollment)
• Set up new employees in Paylocity and CDK, ensuring system access and correct roles
• Process terminations professionally, including separation paperwork, final pay, and system deactivation
• Conduct exit interviews and communicate insights to leadership to support retention
• Administer group health, dental, vision, life, and ancillary insurance plans; manage open enrollment and plan selection
• Serve as liaison with benefit brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators
• Process leaves of absence, including FMLA and other leaves, in compliance with applicable laws
• Administer 401(k) or other retirement plan enrollment, changes, and reporting
• Respond to benefit questions and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Monitor ACA compliance reporting
• Prepare, process, and audit payroll for all locations using Paylocity; ensure accurate wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime, and deductions
• Reconcile payroll data against Paylocity timekeeping and correct discrepancies prior to processing
• Manage payroll tax filings and compliance across SD and IA
• Process garnishments and other mandatory deductions
• Prepare year-end payroll reports, W-2s, and ACA forms; coordinate with accounting for reconciliation
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency

Requirements

• 2+ years of HR and payroll experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality (preferred)
• Solid working knowledge of federal and state employment and payroll laws; SD and IA preferred
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Experience managing HR functions for hourly, commission-based, and salaried employees simultaneously

Technologies

Paylocity, CDK, Microsoft Office Suite, Excel

Work Environment & Travel

This role is primarily based at the Lennox location, with periodic travel to other locations as needed. A valid driver’s license is required. Some remote flexibility may be available for administrative tasks at management's discretion.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: USD 55,000 - 65,000 per yearly. In addition to base pay, you will be eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, accident insurance, short-term disability, critical illness coverage, paid time off and holidays, and a 401(k) with company match.