HR Operations Analyst - Payroll & Compliance (United States)

Join OEC’s HR team as an HR Operations Analyst, owning the critical work that connects Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and HRIS across North America. This isn’t a day-to-day payroll processing role — it’s the layer above it: taxes, compliance, audits, and the cross-functional projects that keep everything running smoothly. You’ll take full ownership of your domain and work independently, often without a dedicated internal expert to lean on, since in a leaner organization, you’re frequently the one who knows best. If you thrive on precision, autonomy, and solving problems before they become problems — and you’re ready to use deep payroll knowledge in a broader, more strategic way — this is your seat.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the connector between Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and HRIS, ensuring data, reporting, and processes stay aligned across teams
• Own payroll tax compliance: jurisdiction registrations, ongoing monitoring, audits, and resolving notices across federal, state, local, and Canadian provincial requirements
• Lead 401(k) employer match true-ups and bonus accrual tracking, partnering with Finance on calculations and approvals
• Manage payroll-adjacent compliance areas including EEO reporting and workers’ compensation across multiple states
• Prepare payroll and finance reports (gross payroll, hours, PTO, tax and benefit deductions) for budgeting and audits
• Drive process improvement — identifying where automation or better tools can strengthen the connection between Payroll, Benefits, and HRIS
• Support payroll, HR, and operations during mergers & acquisitions
• Serve as backup to our payroll processor, stepping in as needed — understanding payroll processing is important, though it’s not the daily focus
• Document processes clearly, building the kind of institutional knowledge that makes the function resilient

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, or related field (equivalent experience considered)
• 4+ years of payroll experience with strong knowledge of multi-state rules and compliance across North America
• Comfort operating independently, researching unfamiliar issues, and proposing solutions without waiting for direction
• Exposure to an HRIS/payroll system (Dayforce preferred, not required)
• Strong critical thinking, documentation habits, and attention to detail
• Excellent communication across all levels of the organization, from individual employees to executive leadership
• Discretion with confidential information
• Must be available during Eastern Time business hours; remote

What We Offer:

• Full benefits starting Day 1 : Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Unlimited Flex Time Off plus 10 company-paid holidays
• Professional development programs and tuition assistance
• Home office equipment stipend
• Employee resource groups and exclusive employee discounts