Kiara Dones
Attleboro
Summary
HR and Payroll Specialist with experience managing multi-state payroll, full-cycle recruitment, and HR operations within high volume, fast paced organizations. Strong understanding of employment laws, leave and benefits administration, and compliance. Known for keeping processes organized, payroll accurate, and supporting both employees and leadership with practical, reliable HR support.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources and Payroll Specialist
DCD Automotive/Nucar
Norwood
02.2025 - Current
- Serve as the HR and Payroll Specialist supporting 5 dealership locations across MA, RI, and NH, managing day-to-day HR operations in a multi-state environment
- Process weekly and off-cycle payroll for Massachusetts locations and provide backup payroll support for Rhode Island and New Hampshire stores, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Administer multi-state leave of absence programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
- Manage workers compensation and auto accident claims, coordinating with carriers and internal teams to ensure timely resolution
- Process invoices twice monthly for all background checks across supported locations
- Maintain and update employee records including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and benefits deductions within HRIS
- Reconcile payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner
- Support audits across payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
Recruiting Manager
Snapchef
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Led full-cycle recruitment for high-volume roles, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding to meet ongoing staffing demands
- Partnered with operations and sales teams to align hiring strategies with business needs and workforce planning goals
- Managed candidate pipelines and maintained accurate records within ATS, ensuring compliance and organization throughout the hiring process
- Improved onboarding coordination and hiring workflows to support a more efficient and consistent candidate experience
Teir 2 Manager
Trillium Brewing Company
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Oversaw daily front of house operations, ensuring smooth team coordination and a positive employee and customer experience
- Managed scheduling, staffing levels, and shift coverage in a fast paced, high-volume environment
- Drove performance against key operational KPIs, supporting accountability, productivity, and team performance
- Supported financial tracking and P&L awareness, contributing to cost control and operational efficiency
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring accuracy, proper stock levels, and minimal loss
- Focused on employee retention through training, coaching, and performance management, supporting team development and reducing turnover
- Served as the primary point of contact for team members, addressing concerns, resolving issues, and supporting a positive work environment
Skills
- Multi-State Payroll Processing & Compliance
- Employment Law & Regulatory Compliance (MA, RI, NH)
- Leave of Absence & Benefits Administration
- HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Management
- Full-Cycle Recruitment & Onboarding
- G Suite & Excel
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Paylocity
- Efficient in Spanish
Timeline
Human Resources and Payroll Specialist
DCD Automotive/Nucar
02.2025 - Current
Recruiting Manager
Snapchef
08.2024 - 01.2025
Teir 2 Manager
Trillium Brewing Company
07.2023 - 08.2024