Payroll Analyst II

Payroll Analyst IICox Automotive is currently seeking a Payroll Analyst II to join our team in Atlanta, Georgia or Orlando, Florida.Job Summary:Payroll Analyst II supports payroll operations through reporting, data analysis, case management, system testing, and process documentation. This role helps ensure payroll data accuracy, timely issue resolution, and consistent service delivery by researching payroll inquiries, monitoring system integrations, supporting audits and reconciliations, and collaborating with cross-functional partners across HR, Benefits, Compensation, Tax, Finance, and Technology. The position also contributes to payroll process improvements, system enhancements, and organizational change activities while building expertise in payroll processes, policies, systems, and regulatory requirements. This role strives for process simplicity, facilitates transformation and continuous improvement efforts, and actively seeks ways to simplify ("lean"), automate, and scale solutions.Responsibilities:Support payroll operations by preparing, maintaining, and running standard reports and dashboards using Workday, UKG, Excel, and other reporting tools.Review payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and data quality issues, escalating concerns as appropriate.Assist with the preparation and delivery of recurring and ad hoc payroll reports while ensuring data accuracy and completeness.Manage payroll-related cases within the Service Station case management system, providing timely responses and resolution in accordance with established service level agreements (SLAs).Serve as a point of contact for payroll inquiries by researching issues, responding to employee and stakeholder questions, and escalating complex issues when needed.Monitor payroll and timekeeping system integrations and resolve employee-level data, interface, and access issues.Support payroll system testing by executing test scripts, documenting results, identifying defects, and assisting with issue resolution.Utilize Excel and other reporting tools to perform data analysis, reconciliations, and payroll validation activities.Assist with payroll improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, accuracy, and service quality.Assist with and participate in payroll-related projects, including year-end processes, bonus processing, union needs, system enhancements, process updates, organizational changes, etc.Support payroll integration activities related to acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes through testing, data validation, documentation, and issue tracking.Collaborate with HR, Benefits, Compensation, Tax, Finance, and Technology teams to support payroll operations and reporting needs.Create and maintain payroll documentation, job aids, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process maps to support operational consistency and knowledge sharing.Track case activity and operational metrics to support SLA reporting and continuous improvement efforts.Assist with payroll audits, compliance reviews, and reconciliation activities to ensure adherence to company policies and applicable regulations.Develop working knowledge of payroll processes, policies, systems, and regulatory requirements while building expertise in payroll operations.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in related field and 2 years' related experience in a high-volume payroll processing, fast-paced environment. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and up to 2 years' experience; or 6 years' experience in a related field.Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint), data mining and reporting systems.Demonstrated ability to conduct pre- and post-processing audits.User experience and self-service orientation.Demonstrated experience and application of business acumen and HR process expertise.Strong communication (oral and written), facilitation, consultation, and relationship management skills.Technical, hands-on experience and deep understanding of data analysis and HR systems.Ability to thrive in ambiguity and change with the ability to leverage innovative technologies, solutions and leading-edge processes.Understanding and practice of extreme confidentiality and information security.Ability to simplify, present and report complex issues.Deep customer focus and user empathy.Strong commitment and attention to accuracy.Proactive, self-directed learner and worker.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with employee population comprised of corporate, hourly, production, manufacturing, and union workers.Knowledge and training in core HR systems (on-premise and cloud); experience or certification in Workday, Oracle, ServiceNow, Absence Tracker, and Kronos.Working knowledge of Tableau, PowerBI or similar data management and dashboard system.Drug Testing:To be employed in this role, you'll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.Benefits:The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.About Us:Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.