HR Generalist

Prairie Capital Advisors is an employee-owned financial advisory firm that specializes in creating and executing ownership transition strategies for middle-market companies nationwide. Our core values—Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Passion—form the foundation of our business. As an employee-owned firm, cultural fit is extremely important to us. Many companies talk about their culture – but we believe a truly special environment is formed when you build successful people around you. When you are passionate about your work and those you work with, it shows.

Since our founding in 1996, we have led hundreds of sales, mergers, acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOPs”), and financing transactions for our clients. Through our services, we maintain a nationally recognized level of expertise, backed by deep transaction experience, proactive thought leadership, and ongoing market research.  Find out more at www.prairiecap.com.

Job Description

Our employee-owners enjoy a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.  We are currently seeking an HR Generalist to join us in our Oakbrook Terrace, IL office. The HR Generalist supports and executes core HR functions while owning designated operational processes. This role ensures efficient day-to-day HR administration, consistent employee experience, and timely compliance execution.

The HR Generalist is both a hands-on administrator and a developing HR professional who manages defined areas independently while partnering closely with the HR Manager.

What you will be doing:

Recruiting Operations

Manage full-cycle recruitment for assigned roles, including but not limited to the college recruitment process.

Post jobs, screen candidates, coordinate interviews, and facilitate offers.

Conduct background checks and employment verifications.

Maintain applicant tracking system accuracy.

Ensure a consistent candidate experience.

Onboarding & Offboarding

Coordinate onboarding logistics and documentation.

Facilitate orientation and initial compliance training.

Schedule and track 30/60/90-day check-ins.

Ensure final pay and benefit transitions are processed accurately.

HRIS & Records Management

Maintain accurate employee records and documentation.

Manage data entry, reporting, and HR system updates.

Ensure documentation meets compliance standards.

Benefits & Leave Administration

Serve as first point of contact for employee benefit inquiries.

Administer enrollments, changes, and qualifying life events.

Track leave requests and ensure documentation compliance.

Support open enrollment execution.

Training & Compliance Tracking

Track required training and certifications.

Maintain compliance documentation.

Coordinate professional development logistics.

Work closely with HR Manager on:

Employee relations support.

Performance management cycle administration.

Policy communication and updates.

Engagement initiatives.

HR reporting and metrics.

Performs other duties as assigned.

What do we look for in candidates?

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

1–3 years of HR experience in a professional services setting, preferred.

SHRM-CP or PHR certification a plus.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Detail-oriented with ability to manage confidential information.

Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.

Pay Rate: $50,000 - $70,000

Benefits Statement:

At Prairie Capital Advisors, we believe in fostering a supportive and enriching environment that promotes the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you live a happy and healthy life inside and outside the office. Our benefits include:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to meet your healthcare needs. We currently offer three different Medical plans to choose from (one PPO plan and two different HDHP with an option of contributing towards an HSA). We also offer one dental and one vision plan.

Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Financial protection in case of unexpected health issues.

Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Generous Sick and Vacation Time: Ample time to rest, recharge, and spend with family and friends.

Paid Parental Leave: Support for you to bond with your new child.

Generous compensation: on top of base compensation there is also a discretionary bonus that is given based on performance

Retirement benefits: company support towards your 401K and ESOP contributions that are made in your name.

At Prairie Capital Advisors, we are committed to ensuring our employees' well-being and work-life balance. Join us and experience a workplace that values your health and happiness.

EEO Statement:

Prairie Capital Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. 

E-Verify Statement:

Prairie Capital Advisors participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For all new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to www.uscis.gov  and click on 'E-Verify' located near the bottom of the page.