HR Consultant, Ask An Expert at Gusto

At Gusto, our mission is to strengthen the small business economy.

We simplify essential business operations, including payroll, health insurance, retirement plans (401(k)), and human resources, allowing business owners to concentrate on growing their businesses and serving their customers.

With offices in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, Gusto supports more than 500,000 small businesses across the United States.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that represents the diverse communities and customers we serve.

Full-time employees receive competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and company equity through Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

Compensation is determined by the position, experience level, and work location. Gusto also provides a transparent Total Rewards philosophy.

Artificial intelligence plays an important role in Gusto’s daily operations. Employees are encouraged to actively use relevant AI tools, develop their technical skills, and adapt as technology advances.

AI proficiency requirements depend on the position and will be evaluated during the interview process.

About the Role

As a Human Resources Consultant on Gusto’s Ask an Expert team, you will provide professional HR guidance to small business clients seeking answers to employment and workplace-related questions.

You will respond to client inquiries through chat, using AI-powered tools to research information and prepare accurate, practical recommendations.

You will also participate in live client calls when more detailed discussions are necessary.

Beyond answering HR questions, you will manage specific client projects, particularly employee handbook development and employment compliance.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with employment regulations, managing multiple priorities, collaborating with different stakeholders, and using technology and AI to improve service delivery.

About the Team

Gusto is expanding its HR support services to give small business clients convenient access to experienced human resources professionals.

The Ask an Expert team provides timely HR advice and handles specific projects that help businesses make informed employment decisions.

Since this is a relatively new service, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to client projects while helping establish workflows, processes, and service standards as the team grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to HR questions submitted by clients through chat, using AI tools to research, draft, and verify responses while ensuring every answer is accurate.
• Participate in client calls when issues require direct discussion and provide clear, practical HR recommendations.
• Develop and maintain employee handbooks for businesses operating across multiple states, considering their locations, workforce sizes, and individual policies.
• Manage compliance-related projects, including reviewing workplace policies, assessing multi-state employment requirements, and preparing mandatory notices and workplace postings.
• Support the development of new HR services and create reusable templates, guidelines, and procedures as the team expands.
• Identify complex matters that require additional expertise, refer clients to the appropriate Gusto department, or recommend seeking legal counsel when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions and projects while identifying recurring questions that could improve AI tools, educational resources, and service delivery.
• Evaluate new technologies and workflows, providing constructive feedback to improve efficiency and performance.
• Provide additional support to the Gusto HR Partners team, which delivers fractional HR consulting services to assigned clients.
• Maintain excellent customer service across all client communications, consultations, and project assignments.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 4–8 years of professional HR experience as an HR Generalist, People Operations Specialist, or HR Consultant across different industries and business sizes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex HR matters in a clear and understandable way.
• Experience using AI tools in daily work, including the ability to evaluate AI-generated information, identify inaccuracies, and ensure reliable responses.
• Proficiency with HR technology and productivity platforms such as Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, and Salesforce.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage incoming client inquiries alongside project deadlines.
• Good understanding of multi-state employment laws and HR compliance requirements, including practical experience preparing or updating employee handbooks and workplace policies.
• Strong professional judgment and the ability to recognize when an issue requires escalation or specialist assistance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment where priorities and responsibilities may change.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical conduct, and professional integrity when handling sensitive employee and business matters.
• A continuous-learning mindset, attention to quality, and a genuine interest in helping small businesses succeed.

Salary and Compensation

The annual cash compensation for this position is:

• Denver, Colorado: $98,000 – $115,000 per year.
• Phoenix, Arizona: $98,000 – $110,000 per year.

Final compensation depends on factors such as the candidate’s location, professional experience, qualifications, and expertise.

Full-time employees are also eligible for competitive benefits and company equity (RSUs).

Additional Information

Gusto uses a different approach to job titles. Rather than using traditional titles primarily to indicate seniority or hierarchy, its titles reflect an employee’s professional specialty and level of responsibility.

Consequently, the title advertised may differ from equivalent positions at other organizations. Candidates can discuss role expectations and career levels with their recruiters.

Work Arrangement

Gusto maintains physical offices in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City.

Employees based in these locations are generally expected to work from the office approximately 2–3 days per week, with additional office attendance possible depending on the position.

The same office requirements apply to employees working for Symmetry, a Gusto subsidiary based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

San Francisco office requirements also cover employees residing in the San Francisco and San Jose metropolitan areas.

Employees approved to work outside a Gusto office must maintain a secure, dependable, and consistent internet connection. This requirement also applies to hybrid employees working remotely on designated days.

Gusto expects employees to maintain reliable attendance and consistent availability, whether working remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or from an office.

This helps ensure effective collaboration and timely support for colleagues, clients, and business partners.