Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst (HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist)

The Payroll Analyst (HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist) administers and controls all activities related to payroll, benefits, HRIS, and personnel cost reporting for the U.S./Americas organization. This role develops, implements, monitors, and improves payroll and HR operational processes, including internal audit and control procedures, to ensure the accuracy of wages, taxes, benefits, and personnel costs. As the subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, HRIS administration, and personnel cost controlling, this position supports HR governance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance while partnering closely with HR, Finance, Operations, and internal and external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process multiple biweekly and weekly payrolls, ensuring accurate review of approved timesheets and proper tracking and deduction of garnishments and other special payroll deductions.
• Manage payroll workflow to ensure all transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Review and validate payroll entries, earnings, deductions, and hours to ensure correct payment to employees.
• Coordinate closely with Human Resources to maintain accurate and up-to-date employee data across payroll and HR systems.
• Apply appropriate taxation rules to employer-provided benefits and ensure compliance in all payroll calculations.
• Process manual checks when required and ensure proper documentation and reconciliation.
• Maintain import and export files between ERP LN, Ceridian Dayforce, and timekeeping systems, ensuring data integrity and seamless integration.
• Manage and maintain Ceridian Dayforce mapping files to support accurate payroll processing and reporting.
• Administer the electronic timekeeping system, including onboarding new hires and processing terminations in a timely manner.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, as well as requirements from relevant regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with union labor agreements in all payroll and benefits-related activities where applicable.
• Research, resolve, and communicate payroll and transmission issues to appropriate stakeholders, providing clear explanations and recommended solutions.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee questions and concerns regarding payroll, deductions, and related matters.
• Develop ad hoc payroll, financial, and operational reports as needed to support HR, Finance, and leadership decision-making.
• Provide comprehensive support to the Finance team during the monthly close process, including reconciliations and payroll-related reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance requirements, including GRIP and DOA standards related to payroll and personnel costs.
• Administer all employee benefit programs, including enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring accurate data entry and timely processing.
• Coordinate and conduct new employee onboarding sessions, presenting benefits information clearly to ensure understanding of plan options and enrollment provisions.
• Fulfill all governmental regulatory mandates related to benefits and payroll, ensuring required filings are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Plan and administer the annual benefits open enrollment process, including preparing materials, managing employee communications, and updating systems.
• Plan, conduct, and report results of benefits audits to ensure enrollment and dependent data accuracy; partner with Accounting for quarterly and year-end audits related to payroll, workers' compensation, and 401(k).
• Address benefit inquiries from employees and stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate resolution and effective utilization of benefit programs.
• Process and review monthly benefit billings for accuracy, approve invoices for payment, and resolve discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators to manage disability claims and ensure proper documentation and communication.
• Administer COBRA enrollments and manage unemployment and workers' compensation cases in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Support HR governance and reporting activities for all Americas locations, ensuring consistency and compliance across the region.
• Develop and manage quarterly and annual personnel cost plans, including budgeting, forecasting scenarios, and tracking actuals, in collaboration with local and central HR teams.
• Monitor personnel cost budgets and forecasts, analyze variances, and communicate financial impacts to line managers and HR leadership.
• Build, maintain, and enhance a dynamic database to track and analyze key monthly personnel figures, costs, KPIs, and statistics.
• Create, analyze, and report monthly personnel cost data, reviewing deviations versus plan with HR leadership and central HR.
• Support the preparation of monthly HR reporting, including forecast updates and ad hoc analyses requested by leadership.
• Participate in monthly and annual payroll and financial statement activities related to personnel costs, ensuring accurate data and reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate allocation and reconciliation of payroll and benefit costs in coordination with Finance.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and personnel cost controls by providing documentation, explanations, and process insights.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements and cost optimization while maintaining compliance, data integrity, and high service quality.
• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, line managers, and internal auditors to align payroll, benefits, and cost control processes with organizational objectives.
• Maintain productive relationships with financial institutions, payroll providers, benefits providers, and external auditors to support efficient and compliant operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support HR operations, payroll, benefits administration, and personnel cost control.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience administering payroll, HRIS, benefits, and/or personnel cost controlling.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and time and attendance systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Sound knowledge of employee benefits, contributions, tax obligations, labor law, and HR compliance requirements.
• Basic knowledge of balance sheet and profit and loss (P&L) concepts to support cost analysis and financial reporting.
• Experience with payroll processing, payroll benefits administration, cost control, and cost analysis.
• Ability to perform forecasting and personnel cost planning, including scenario analysis and variance review.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable reports and insights.
• High level of interpersonal skills and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll and benefits topics in a clear and professional manner.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities to manage multiple payrolls, benefits processes, and reporting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail combined with a problem-solving mindset to identify and resolve discrepancies quickly.
• Ability to respond quickly and accurately to data and reporting requests while maintaining a high level of service to internal stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Controlling, Human Resources, or a comparable field is preferred.
• Experience using Ceridian Dayforce or similar enterprise payroll and HRIS systems.
• Experience working in union environments and applying union labor agreements to payroll and benefits processes.
• Experience supporting multi-state manufacturing organizations and navigating varied state-specific payroll and benefits regulations.
• Experience with HR governance, employment law compliance, and report analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP LN or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, line managers, and internal auditors.
• Comfort working with external partners such as financial institutions, payroll providers, benefits providers, and external auditors.

Work Environment

This role is 100% onsite, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is part of a small, close-knit HR team of approximately two people, offering significant visibility and broad responsibility across HR operations, payroll, benefits, and cost control. The HR function has a dotted-line relationship to HR teams overseas, providing exposure to international collaboration and governance standards. The organization operates in a modern facility that has recently relocated, which typically includes updated equipment and a refreshed work layout. Employees describe the culture as friendly, with positive peer relationships and supportive coworkers. Team members in many roles have opportunities to learn new skills and broaden their experience, particularly in manufacturing and operations settings. Compensation is viewed as competitive for similar roles, and the benefits package is considered solid and comprehensive.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Loves Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $31.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification