Senior Payroll Analyst

Senior Payroll Analyst

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Payroll Analyst based in the United States.

This is a hands-on payroll leadership opportunity supporting employees across the United States and Canada, with exposure to international payroll operations. You will own recurring payroll processes, serve as the internal expert for UKG Pro, and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The role combines payroll execution with process improvement, controls, compliance, reconciliation, and systems optimization. You will partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, HRIS, and external payroll providers across multiple countries. A key focus will be simplifying existing workflows, reducing manual workarounds, strengthening controls, and creating scalable payroll processes. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, comfortable working independently, and confident resolving issues under recurring deadlines. This role offers the opportunity to become a central payroll subject-matter expert while helping build a more efficient and resilient global payroll function.

Accountabilities

• Own accurate and timely multi-state US and Canadian payroll processing, including bi-weekly payrolls, off-cycle payments, and manual checks.
• Serve as the internal UKG Pro (UltiPro) and Workforce Management Dimensions expert, managing configuration, troubleshooting, and coordination with system support.
• Review and optimize the existing UKG environment, replacing manual workarounds with sustainable, controlled, and scalable processes.
• Create and maintain clear payroll procedures and documentation to ensure processes are repeatable and transferable across the team.
• Coordinate with international payroll providers supporting employees in the UK, Australia, Germany, and India, reviewing inputs and outputs and reconciling results to ensure accurate and timely payments.
• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger in partnership with Accounting and support audits, compliance reviews, and related information requests.
• Maintain strong payroll controls covering approvals, system access, segregation of duties, and other key control requirements.
• Process employee changes, including new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, compensation changes, and reporting updates, while ensuring accurate data flow between the HRIS and payroll systems.
• Manage state tax registrations and ongoing payroll tax filings while maintaining accurate employee tax profiles.
• Partner with Benefits and HR Business Partners on payroll deductions, open enrollment, and other payroll-related activities.
• Work with the HRIS Manager to optimize UKG functionality and identify opportunities for greater automation and efficiency.
• Safeguard sensitive employee and payroll information and handle confidential matters with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.
• Support team development by training colleagues, providing backup coverage, and contributing to special projects as the payroll function grows.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including at least 3 years processing payroll through UKG Pro (UltiPro).
• Demonstrated experience processing multi-state US payroll and Canadian payroll.
• Experience coordinating or supporting international payroll processes through third-party providers.
• Experience working in a growing, multi-country organization with 700+ employees.
• Proven ability to independently run payroll and troubleshoot unexpected issues that arise during a payroll cycle.
• Strong experience documenting payroll processes and improving or restructuring existing payroll configurations and workflows.
• Thorough understanding of payroll taxation, compliance requirements, internal controls, and payroll best practices.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to consistently meet recurring, time-sensitive deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
• High integrity and demonstrated ability to protect sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to accurate payroll execution.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with HR, Accounting, Benefits, HRIS, and external providers.
• Ability to identify process inefficiencies, recommend improvements, and take ownership of implementing better ways of working.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• Base salary range of $90,000–$140,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.
• Competitive total rewards package beyond base compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Family-forming benefits.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Unlimited vacation.
• Employee stock program participation.
• Remote work environment.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a critical payroll function supporting employees across multiple countries.
• Opportunity to improve and scale payroll systems, processes, controls, and workflows.
• Collaborative environment with close partnerships across Finance, HR, Benefits, and HRIS.
• Equal employment opportunity and commitment to a fair, inclusive, and unbiased workplace.