Senior Payroll Tax Analyst

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Tax Analyst to serve as the payroll tax subject matter expert within a large corporate payroll organization. This individual will support payroll tax compliance, tax setup, reconciliations, year‑end reporting, audits, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Key Responsibilities Support payroll tax compliance across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. Maintain and validate payroll tax setup and withholding configurations. Assist with setup and maintenance of tax jurisdictions and tax accounts. Perform payroll tax reconciliations and resolve discrepancies. Support quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting requirements. Validate year‑end reporting including: W‑2 W‑2C T‑4 Related payroll tax reporting documents Assist with payroll tax filings and compliance reporting. Ensure payroll tax data aligns with regulatory requirements and reporting standards. Partner with payroll, HRIS, and technology teams to validate payroll tax system configurations. Investigate payroll tax discrepancies and perform root‑cause analysis. Identify issues related to: Tax setup System configuration Payroll processing Vendor performance Support internal and external audits related to payroll tax compliance. Review and respond to payroll tax notices. Coordinate tax issue resolution with vendors and internal stakeholders. Collaborate with payroll teams to validate tax calculations and payroll outputs. Assist with payroll processing activities during high‑volume periods when necessary. Serve as a payroll tax resource for internal stakeholders and business partners. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to payroll tax operations and compliance. Perform additional duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum eight years of payroll experience with significant payroll tax responsibility. Extensive experience supporting multi‑state payroll tax compliance. Strong understanding of: Federal payroll taxes State payroll taxes Local payroll taxes Payroll tax filings Payroll tax compliance regulations Experience performing payroll tax reconciliations and resolving discrepancies. Experience supporting year‑end payroll tax reporting. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including: Reconciliations Data analysis Large dataset review Reporting Strong analytical, investigative, and problem‑solving skills. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to collaborate effectively with payroll, HRIS, finance, compliance, and vendor teams. Preferred Qualifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification. Experience working with enterprise payroll platforms such as: UKG Workday SAP ADP Experience supporting W‑2, W‑2C, and year‑end payroll processing. Experience working directly with payroll tax vendors and service providers. Experience with process improvement initiatives. Exposure to Canadian payroll tax reporting and T‑4 requirements. Additional Information Up to 10% travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during critical payroll periods. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively throughout the workday. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ideal Candidate Background Payroll tax compliance Multi‑state payroll tax administration Large corporate payroll departments Shared services organizations Payroll audits Payroll reconciliations Year‑end payroll processing Tax notice resolution Payroll vendor management Enterprise payroll systems HRIS and payroll technology support Interview Process Recruiter Screen HR Interview Hiring Manager Interview Leadership Interview Location: Houston, TX (100% Onsite) Schedule: Monday through Friday Standard business hours Occasional overtime during quarter‑end, year‑end, audits, and critical payroll processing periods. Compensation: Competitive hourly pay based on experience. Assignment Length: Contract Assignment Employment Type: Contract #J-18808-Ljbffr ESP Enterprises