Israa Gouda

Background

About Israa Gouda

I am a results-driven Human Resources professional specializing in benefits administration, compliance, and HR operations, with a proven ability to deliver measurable impact across large employee populations. In my current role as an HR & Benefits Assistant at North East Arc, I manage benefits programs and onboarding for 500+ employees, ensuring full compliance with ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and state regulations. I lead benefits orientations that increased early enrollment completion by 70%, streamline communication between employees and external vendors, and resolve more than 50 complex inquiries each month with accuracy and care—strengthening both compliance and employee satisfaction. My expertise extends to HRIS administration, payroll and benefits auditing, and vendor management. I maintain meticulous personnel records in UltiPro, ClearCompany, and ADP, conduct audits that reduce processing delays by 40%, and generate compliance reports that guide leadership decisions. By combining technical HR knowledge with strong interpersonal skills, I serve as both a trusted employee resource and a reliable partner to leadership. Before transitioning into HR, I held multiple operations management roles in the aviation sector, where I directed staffing strategies across multiple sites, cut overtime costs by 70%, implemented safety and compliance protocols, and led workforce training to align performance with federal standards. This operational background sharpened my ability to balance compliance with efficiency, lead diverse teams, and navigate high-pressure environments—all skills I now bring to HR. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Psychology from Salem State University. I have also earned certifications in Talent Acquisition and Compensation & Benefits through HRCI, underscoring my commitment to continuous professional growth. I am passionate about optimizing HR processes, advancing benefits strategies, and creating workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a strong record of compliance management, employee relations, and operational leadership, I am well-prepared to contribute to organizations that prioritize both people and performance