About the Role

Downtown Ford of Sacramento is seeking an organized and detail-oriented HR Clerk to join our Human Resources team. This role is best suited for a candidate with some prior HR experience — candidates with a background in HR support, HR administration, or HR internships are strongly encouraged to apply. You'll support day-to-day HR functions and serve as a backup for payroll processing, so accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability are a must.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and update employee records, files, and HR databases (physical and digital)
• Assist with new hire onboarding paperwork, orientation scheduling, and benefits enrollment
• Support payroll processing by collecting, verifying, and entering timekeeping data
• Serve as a backup for payroll duties, ensuring payroll runs smoothly in the absence of the primary payroll administrator
• Help track PTO, attendance, and employee leave requests
• Track and maintain FMLA leave records, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with tracking deadlines
• Track and maintain workers' compensation claims, including documentation, follow-up, and status updates
• Respond to routine employee questions regarding HR policies, benefits, and pay
• Prepare HR-related correspondence, reports, and forms
• Assist with compliance recordkeeping (I-9s, licensing, certifications, etc.)
• Support recruiting efforts such as posting job openings, scheduling interviews, and processing applications
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and payroll information
• Provide general administrative support to the HR department as needed

What We Offer

• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• On-the-job training and opportunities for growth within HR/payroll
• Supportive team environment

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field preferred
• 1+ year of HR-related experience strongly encouraged (e.g., HR clerk/assistant, HR intern, payroll support, benefits administration); general office/administrative experience alone is not the focus of this role
• Familiarity with basic HR functions such as onboarding, recordkeeping, and compliance documentation
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with data entry
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Strong communication skills and a professional, friendly demeanor
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Dealership or automotive industry experience is a plus, but not required