Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

Join Altera as a Payroll Analyst! Under the direction of management, the NA/LatAm Payroll Analyst is responsible for ensuring that accurate payrolls are processed for all employees in a timely and efficient manner. This position will oversee payroll processing by NA/LatAm Payroll Lead, provide customer service to internal and external customers, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, assist with Workday and Global Payroll Vendor PayrollAdvantage implementation and integration projects as needed.

Americas Payroll Analyst Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Review:

• Collaborate with NA/LatAm Payroll Lead and cross-functional teams to ensure employee master data (new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and other updates) is accurately and timely reflected in all payroll systems.
• Manage the daily operations of the payroll department, including review and approval of bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls prepared by NA/LatAm Payroll Lead for:
• Two U.S. legal entities supporting approximately 1,000 employees across 30 states.
• Two global entities supporting approximately 220 employees in Canada and Mexico.
• Audit and verify all payroll inputs, including timekeeping data, salary adjustments, benefit deductions, and all integrations feeding into Workday and global payroll platforms, ensuring accuracy and compliance prior to payroll processing.
• Ensure all payrolls are processed timely and accurately in accordance with federal, provincial, state, and local regulations.

System Maintenance and Periodic Audits:

• Maintain payroll systems, including employee data updates, payroll configuration, and electronic timekeeping records.
• Audit and reconcile payroll data across all systems on a periodic basis.
• Serve as a liaison with third-party partners including HR, Legal, Finance/Accounting (Treasury), tax filing services, 401(k) and benefits providers, commissions, expense reporting, and equity administrators to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant transactions.

Compliance:

• Monitor and manage third-party global payroll vendors and tax filing services; communicate and implement tax and regulatory updates, ensure systems remain current, and resolve agency notices comprehensively.
• Reconcile monthly payroll tax filings against payroll registers, agency submissions, and company bank account statements, make necessary adjustments and corrections as needed.
• Ensure 401(k) and HSA contributions are accurately transmitted; reconcile employee and employer contributions, audit contribution rates monthly, and monitor year-to-date limits for compliance.
• Ensure compliance with payroll-related requirements including wage garnishments, taxes, and other statutory deductions.
• Manage Year End tasks, including W-2 processing, annual tax filings, collaboration with payroll vendor on T-4 administration.

Cross Functional Collaboration:

• Provide guidance and information on payroll systems and processes; escalate high-level and service-impacting issues to the Global Payroll Manager as appropriate.
• Train, supervise, and develop payroll staff; ensure team organization, adherence to deadlines, and cross-training to support coverage during absences and ensure business continuity.
• Support employee and stakeholder inquiries by providing accurate information and timely assistance.
• Serve as support for Payroll Lead as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all employees and payroll information.

Salary Range

$145-150 K USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

Qualifications:

• 7 + years of progressive payroll experience, supporting multi-state and/or multi-country payroll operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll for mid-to-large employee populations (500+ employees) across multiple legal entities.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local tax laws, wage and hour requirements, and garnishments; Canada and/or Mexico payroll exposure strongly preferred.
• Proven experience working with global payroll vendors and coordinating cross-border payroll processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Workday Payroll and Workday HCM, including integrations, downstream payroll feeds, reporting, and data audits.
• Hands-on experience with third-party payroll providers and tax filing services (e.g., PayrollAdvantage or similar platforms).
• Expertise in payroll reconciliation, payroll tax filings via ADP SmartCompliance.
• Demonstrated experience administering and auditing 401(k), HSA, FSA, and benefit-related payroll deductions, including regulatory limits and year-to-date compliance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement scalable solutions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookup functions, data analysis); strong overall proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex payroll information to employees, leadership, and external partners.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, integrations, or process optimization initiatives is highly preferred.
• Professional payroll certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), PCP (Canada), or CPM are preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Job Type:

Regular

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

San Jose, California, United States

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.