Payroll Analyst

Category/Area of Expertise: Accounting/Finance Job Requisition: 537969 Address: USA-NC-Salisbury-2085 Harrison Road Store Code: Payroll (5113232) Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands - Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Our associates support the brands with a wide range of services, including Finance, Legal, Sustainability, Commercial, Digital and E-commerce, Technology and more. Primary Purpose The Analyst III Payroll Finance/GL serves as the primary financial and accounting partner for Payroll operations across multiple business entities, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll-related financial reporting and accounting activities. This role leads payroll financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, reconciliations, and general ledger activities while providing insights that support business and operational decision-making. The position acts as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting processes, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements, driving process improvements and supporting audits, governance, and cross-functional initiatives. Our flexible/hybrid work schedule includes 3 in-person days at one of our core locations and 2 remote days. This position can be based in one of our offices located in Assonet, MA, and Salisbury, NC. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Duties And Responsibilities Lead payroll-related financial accounting activities by maintaining and overseeing payroll general ledger accounts, reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries to ensure financial accuracy and compliance across all entities. Prepare and analyze payroll financial results, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reporting, identifying trends, risks, and variances to support informed business decisions. Develop budget, forecast, and planning assumptions for payroll, benefits, and related expenses, partnering with stakeholders to support enterprise financial planning processes. Perform complex financial and variance analysis to identify key business drivers, determine root causes, and provide actionable recommendations to leadership. Serve as the payroll accounting subject matter expert, providing guidance on accounting treatment, payroll-related transactions, and financial impacts of business or system changes. Support internal and external audit activities by coordinating requests, preparing supporting documentation, evaluating control effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. Evaluate, design, and implement process improvements that enhance reporting accuracy, strengthen internal controls, improve efficiency, and reduce operational risk. Lead accounting and reporting support for organizational initiatives, including account structure changes, system enhancements, testing activities, and implementation of new financial processes. Develop and maintain advanced reporting and analytics utilizing payroll, financial, and business intelligence systems to deliver meaningful insights and support strategic decision-making. Partner with payroll, finance, accounting, HR, and business leaders to resolve complex issues, communicate financial impacts, and influence decisions through analytical expertise and consultation. Additional job duties may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the business and support our Values. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or related field. Minimum 5-7 years of experience in finance, accounting or related field. Financial analytical, planning and budgeting experience preferred. Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills. Effective written and verbal skills. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience using ECP systems, S4 Hana General Ledger and other business intelligence tools for reporting and analysis. Great attention to detail. Strong knowledge of principles and techniques of budget preparation. Ability to influence others and lead meetings. Knowledge of principles and techniques of budget preparation. Ability to improve internal processes.Strong communication and presentation skills and ability to work within deadlines. Works well both independently and as an integral part of a team. Preferred Qualifications Experience in Financial analytics, planning and budgeting. Extensive knowledge of payroll operations cycle ME/NC/PA/SC Salary Range: $75,040 - $112,560 IL/MA/MD/NY Salary Range: $86,320 - $129,480 Actual compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on their unique qualifications and experience, internal equity, and market conditions. Final compensation decisions will be made in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. At Ahold Delhaize USA, we provide services to one of the largest portfolios of grocery companies in the nation, and we're actively seeking top talent. Our team shares a common motivation to drive change, take ownership and enable our brands to better care for their customers. We thrive on supporting great local grocery brands and their strategies. Our associates are the heartbeat of our organization. We are committed to offering a welcoming work environment where all associates can succeed and thrive. Guided by our values of courage, care, teamwork, integrity (and even a little humor), we are dedicated to being a great place to work. We believe in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning in all that we think, create and do. While building a culture where personal and professional growth are just as important as business growth, we invest in our people, empowering them to learn, grow and deliver at all levels of the business. #J-18808-Ljbffr