HR Generalist

Who We Are 

We are a growing public accounting firm (top 25 in Virginia, as measured by the number of CPAs on staff) with a great reputation in the business community, diversified practice and a high-tech work environment. We have received the ‘Best Places to Work’ designation from both Virginia Business magazine and Accounting Today and have been named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post. We are an independent alliance member of BDO national accounting firm.  

KWC specializes in providing tax, audit, accounting and business advisory services for privately held businesses, individuals, estates, trusts, nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Our diverse client base includes industries such as professional service firms, government contractors, nonprofits, real estate, construction and specialty contractors, and healthcare providers. 

Why KWC?  We offer a highly-competitive compensation package, excellent opportunity for career growth/promotion, flexible work schedules, work-life balance and a great team environment, where people care about each other and recognize each other’s achievements on a regular basis.  Founded in 1983, we are a well-run firm, consistently recognized as a top workplace by our staff members.      

Benefits We Offer 

KWC offers a competitive compensation package with benefits that include health, dental and vision coverage, 15 days of PTO to start, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with 3% contribution each year, and company-paid life, short-term and long-term disability insurance. Other benefits include free parking, flexible summer hours, with some ability to work remotely. Meals and snacks are offered during the tax busy season. “Dress for your day” is the business casual attire chosen by staff, based on the daily schedule. Flexible work schedule is also available year round.

Position Overview 

KWC is seeking an experienced HR Generalist to join our growing team! This role manages the full HR lifecycle — from recruiting and onboarding to benefits, employee relations, and offboarding. You’ll report directly to the Director of Administration and work primarily in our Alexandria, VA office, with travel to our Richmond office at least twice per month. 

This individual possesses the ability to prioritize tasks under strict deadlines, is extremely detail-oriented, is a team player and communicates effectively. The Human Resources Generalist is a quick learner and tech savvy to oversee the wide range of tasks that is required in this position.  

Please note, remote candidates will not be considered. 

 
Essential Functions: 

• Involved in and responsible for all aspects of employee relations, including but not limited to: engagement, internal reviews, investigations, performance improvement, onboarding, and offboarding/terminations
• Supervise KWC’s recruiting effort, ensuring the timely review of applications for open positions, responsibility for making sure all processes around recruiting are followed and all documentation is complete and in files
• Serve as a trusted advisor and counsel to firm leadership for all HR programs and activities, including compensation, performance management, policies/procedures, organizational communications, reporting, and any special projects as assigned
• Continually makes improvements to HR programs such as onboarding, training, employee guidelines, diversity-equity-inclusion programs, record-keeping, and documentation.
• Responsible for all aspects of employee recognition and engagement; promotes employee development and career advancement within the organization
• Responsible for benefits management and the administration of plan renewals
• Develops, executes, and supports communication strategies to enhance employee engagement and awareness, and supports organizational change
• Support HR initiatives that enhance engagement and retention, such as issuing DiSC behavioral assessments, chairing KWC’s Culture Committee and overseeing Firm social activities

 
Minimum requirements: 

• 7–10 years of HR experience across the employee lifecycle
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (HR certification a plus)

Other Skills / Abilities. 

• Strong knowledge of employment law and compliance
• Strong background in benefits administration
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to collaborate with executives and is a team player
• Excellent analytical, oral/written communication, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to work well under pressure and in short turnaround situations
• Exceptional attention to detail; finishing projects timely and independently with minimal error
• Proficiency in using an HRIS and an ATS, as well as Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of boxes and/or paperwork up to 25 pounds.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.