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Role Description

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for executing accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for the organization. This role serves as a payroll subject matter expert, ensuring data integrity, maintaining strong internal controls, and partnering with HR, Finance, and operational teams to support a seamless associate experience. The Senior Payroll Analyst also contributes to ongoing process improvement, technology optimization, and payroll reporting to support business operations and HR Shared Services (HRSS) goals.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Payroll Processing & Operations
  • Manage the full payroll cycle with a high degree of independence, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable wage and hour requirements.
  • Review and evaluate payroll data, including hours, earnings, deductions, retro pay, and special payments; identify issues, determine appropriate corrections, and resolve discrepancies.
  • Evaluate payroll exceptions and make decisions regarding off-cycle payrolls and pay adjustments, considering compliance risk, operational impact, and employee experience.
  • Interpret and apply payroll-related tax, benefits, and garnishment requirements, addressing non-routine or complex situations and recommending appropriate solutions.
  • Maintain oversight of employee pay records and payroll system data, approving corrections and improvements to support accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
  • Act as a payroll subject matter resource, providing guidance to HR, Finance, and management on payroll practices and related compliance considerations.
• Compliance, Controls & Audit
  • Ensure payroll operations adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Maintain and document payroll controls in alignment with SOX and internal audit requirements.
  • Prepare audit support and reconciliations, and regulatory filings.
  • Monitor legislation changes and recommend required updates.
• Reporting, Reconciliation & Analytics
  • Prepare and analyze payroll reports for HR, Finance, and leadership.
  • Reconcile payroll results, identify discrepancies, and perform root-cause analysis.
  • Support year-end activities including W-2 validation, tax balancing, and reporting.
  • Provide insights and recommendations based on payroll trends and data.
• Systems, Process Optimization & Projects
  • Partner with HRIS and HRSS teams on system enhancements, configuration updates, and testing.
  • Improve payroll processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and associate experience.
  • Support implementation of new technology, automation, or workflow changes.
  • Contribute to payroll documentation, SOP updates, and knowledge management.
• Customer Service, Collaboration & Stakeholder Support
  • Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll inquiries from associates and HR partners.
  • Work closely with HR Business Partners, Total Rewards, Workforce Management, and Finance teams.
  • Provide training, guidance, and support to HRSS colleagues on payroll procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 4+ years of payroll processing experience in a mid-to-large organization.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience with Workday, SAP, UKG, ADP, or similar platforms strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• High proficiency in Excel and payroll reconciliation techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential data.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
• CPP or equivalent certification preferred; multilingual ability (Spanish or French) a plus.

Requirements

• Occasional travel.

Benefits

• The range for this position is $85,000 to $125,000. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant’s experience and geographic location.