HRIS managers manage and oversee an organization’s human resources information system (HRIS). They maintain internal database files and develop custom reports to meet the requirements of company management and staff. HRIS managers are responsible for ensuring that an organization has the systems it requires to ensure the HR division’s operational efficiency. That requires HRIS managers to be able to install, implement, modify, and upgrade HR software, and train colleagues in its use.
Sample job description
HRIS managers use their technical skills to develop and manage HR systems, analytics, and reporting. You will handle the utilization and organization of the workforce, develop and monitor performance metrics, professional development systems, and more. These managers need to have a solid understanding of local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policy. Additionally, you will need to have strong analytical skills when making sense of data and trends, and additionally have strong soft skills, as they’ll primarily be dealing with people. Do you have unparalleled people skills? Can you combine analytical problem solving with excellent communication? If so, you might be a perfect fit for our HRIS manager.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Install, implement, modify, and upgrade software and applications
- Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance to HR employees
- Maintain the integrity of data held within the HRIS
- Oversee the daily operation of the HR department
- Process employee data, such as leaves, wages, and working hours
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in information technology or human resource management. Some employers prefer that job candidates have a master’s degree for certain positions and career advancement.
Required skills and qualifications
- Robust organizational skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Well-developed leadership skills
- Thorough understanding of database construction
- Ability to build relationships internally and with clients
- Familiarity and some experience with UltiPro or other HRIS/payroll software
- Exceptional computer skills and proficiency with HR systems
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s degree in computer science, computer information systems or related field
- 2+ years in a management position
- Strong knowledge of HR systems
- Experience as an HRIS manager
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a HRIS manager is $117,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $116,850 | $158,100 |
| Los Angeles, California | $131,850 | $178,350 |
| Denver, Colorado | $109,850 | $148,650 |
| Washington, DC | $133,850 | $181,050 |
| Miami, Florida | $109,350 | $147,950 |
| Orlando, Florida | $100,850 | $136,500 |
| Tampa, Florida | $101,850 | $137,850 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $106,850 | $144,600 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $122,850 | $166,200 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $132,850 | $179,700 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $105,850 | $143,250 |
| New York City, New York | $139,850 | $189,200 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $113,850 | $154,050 |
| Dallas, Texas | $110,850 | $150,000 |
| Houston, Texas | $109,850 | $148,650 |
| Seattle, Washington | $127,850 | $172,950 |
| National Average | $99,900 | $135,150 |
Typical work environment
The typical work environment of an HRIS manager is in an office environment with a team. You should expect to work long hours seated at a computer.
These managers will often work with other departments, employees, and managers, and lots of meetings and face-to-face interaction should be expected as well.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for an HRIS manager are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Available certifications
As HRIS managers work in a variety of industries, there are many institutions that offer certifications, including:
- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance. The CPLP, offered by the Association for Talent Development, is a certification backed by the world’s largest association specifically geared towards the training and development of professionals. Obtaining this certification will demonstrate your engagement and willingness to learn and adapt, making you an invaluable employee.
- Professional in Human Resources. This certification offered by the HR Certification Institute teaches a valuable specialty within human resources. You’ll walk away with a more strategic and logistical approach to program implementation, and develop sharper technical and analytical skills in the process. By obtaining this certification, you’ll demonstrate not only your value in an HR position but also your proficiency in a more technical role.
- Senior Professional in Human Resources. If you’re looking to take your experience and skills to the top, it helps to be able to certify them. This certification demonstrates your mastery of human resources in general, and especially your excellence in leadership, employee engagement, and long-term project planning and management. For those looking to take their career to the highest levels and leadership prowess, look no further than the SPHR.
Career path
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in information technology or human resource management, although a master’s degree is generally preferred. An HRIS manager will typically advance to more executive positions such as HRIS director or top HRIS executive after years of experience.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-3121
| 2020 Employment | 161,700 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 176,500 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 9% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 14,800 increase |
Position trends
According to Forbes, one trend that will affect HR sectors is the expansion of AI. The workforce will be considered “blended,” where humans and bots are working together. By 2021, 25 percent of workers should use a virtual employee assistant daily, which is a two percent increase from the previous year. Given that trend, knowing how to orient, develop, engage, and work side by side with a bot will be the newest skillset.
Sample interview questions
- Would you consider yourself to be a people person?
- What’s your favorite part of working in the human resources environment?
- What do you anticipate will be a major change in how the human resources departments are managed in the next 10 years?
- What would you consider your management style to be?
- What skills do you possess that create results for your company?
- How versatile are you when it comes to HR software?
- What experiences have you had working as a project manager on an HR project?
- Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict? What was the outcome?
- Can you describe a time when you had to deal with an unethical situation at work? What was the outcome?
