HR Operations & Payroll Specialist

Data Business Equipment Urbandale, Iowa, United States Human Resources

About this position

Who We Are at DBE

At DBE, we believe great work starts with people who take ownership, build trust, and stay meaningfully connected to one another. We are a company grounded in doing the right thing — not because it’s easy, but because it’s who we are. As we grow, we remain clear about where we’re headed and honest about what we expect from each other along the way.

Our values — Dedication, Bond, and Engagement — guide how we show up every day. We take ownership when something needs attention. We have each other’s backs and build trust through follow-through. We listen to understand, seek input from others, and overcommunicate to keep teams aligned. We lead by example, stay connected to the people and work around us, and take time to celebrate progress together.

We don’t believe in empty promises or perfection. We believe in steady progress, accountability, and creating a workplace where people feel supported, heard, and proud of the work they do.


GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The HR Operations & Payroll Specialist is a trusted, detail-oriented partner who ensures our people operations are handled with care, accuracy, and consistency. This role owns key operational functions including payroll, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, short-term disability, company insurance, fleet coordination, and related financial reconciliations.

In addition to core operational responsibilities, this role supports broader HR functions and select office management duties, helping ensure employees feel supported and heard. This position works closely with HR leadership, Finance, and Operations and plays an essential role in living our values through action.

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in doing things the right way, values trust and follow-through and wants to be meaningfully connected to the people they support. The HR Operations & Payroll Specialist helps ensure our values are lived every day — through action, consistency, and care.

How Our Values Show Up in This Role

Dedication – Taking Ownership

  • If you see it, you own it — issues are addressed proactively, not passed along
  • You lead by example through accuracy, consistency, and accountability
  • You have your teammates’ backs and support shared success

Bond – Building Trust

  • You do what you say you will do, and others can rely on you
  • You approach sensitive matters with care, discretion, and professionalism
  • You listen to understand and create space for honest conversations
  • You follow through on commitments and ensure work is completed correctly and on time

Engagement – Being Passionately Connected

  • You overcommunicate to avoid confusion and ensure clarity
  • You seek input from others and value collaboration
  • You stay connected to employees and understand how HR operations impact their experience
  • You contribute to a culture where wins are recognized and celebrated together

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll & HR Operations

  • Process accurate and timely payroll in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Maintain payroll records, audits, reconciliations, and reporting
  • Take ownership of payroll questions and issues through resolution
  • Support or perform general ledger (GL) reconciliation related to payroll, benefits, & insurance expenses
  • Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, & voluntary benefits
  • Manage enrollments, changes, terminations, audits, and vendor coordination
  • Serve as primary administrator for short-term disability and workers’ compensation claims
  • Coordinate company insurance programs in partnership with brokers, vendors & finance
  • Support open enrollment planning, communication, and execution
  • Serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits and insurance questions
  • Support fleet administration including recordkeeping, & maintenance schedules
  • Maintain accurate fleet and asset records in partnership with Operations
  • Provide back-up support for employee relations matters as needed
  • Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding activities as needed
  • Maintain accurate employee records and HR system data
  • Step in to support the team where needed to ensure continuity
  • Perform select office management and administrative coordination duties
  • Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and company policies
  • Always maintain confidentiality and professional discretion
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and efficiency
  • Raise concerns thoughtfully and contribute to practical solutions
  • Other duties as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • # of Direct Reports = 0
  • # of Indirect Reports = 0

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred or years of experience equivalent. 
  • Payroll, HR, or benefits-related certifications (CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, etc.) a plus

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

  • 3+ years of experience in payroll, HR operations, or benefits administration
  • Working knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and benefits administration
  • Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with integrity
  • Experience partnering with Finance, HR, and Operations
  • Experience using HRIS and payroll systems
  • Experience administering workers’ compensation and short-term disability programs
  • Experience supporting GL reconciliation or working closely with accounting teams
  • Experience in a field-based or multi-state workforce environment
  • Exposure to fleet or asset administration

SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Exceptional attention to detail and pride in accurate work
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Organized, dependable, and able to manage competing priorities
  • Clear and thoughtful communication skills
  • Ability to listen, ask questions, and collaborate effectively
  • Sound judgment and discretion in sensitive situations
  • Service-oriented mindset with a team-first approach


WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described below represent the typical amount of time spent and conditions while performing the essential duties of the job.  Every attempt will be made to provide reasonable accommodation as necessary to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Use the following codes:

 

C = Continuously (67% to 100% of workday)

F = Frequently (34% to 66% of workweek)

O = Occasional (1% to 33% of the workweek)

N = Never (0% of the workweek)

Physical Demand/         Work Conditions

Frequency

Physical Demand/     Work Conditions

Frequency

Sitting

C

Lifting

O

Standing

F

Sedentary (0 - 10 lbs.)

C

Walking

F

Light (11 - 25 lbs.)

O

Bending

O

Medium (26 - 50 lbs.)

O

Stooping

O

Heavy (51 - 74 lbs.)

O

Kneeling

O

Very Heavy (75 – 100 lbs.)

O

Climb Ladders

N

Dexterity

C

Driving

O

Eye/Hand Coordination

C

Reach Above Shoulder

O

Handling (holding, grasping, feeling)

C

TYPICAL NOISE LEVEL

 ☒ Quiet        ☐ Moderate     ☐ Loud

SPECIAL HEARING REQUIREMENTS

N/A

SPECIAL VISION REQUIREMENTS

☒ Close
 

☒ Color

☐ Distance
 

☒ Depth Perception

☒ Ability to Focus
 

☒ Peripheral Vision

PRIVACY

Employee will comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws governing the privacy of consumer information and DBE’s Privacy Policy and Procedures.

EEOAA Disclosure

This job description is not a contract for employment, either expressed or implied, between DBE and the job employee.  DBE or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason. Data Business Equipment is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.


Salary Information

$30.01 - $37.51 Hourly Wage