Payroll Tax Analyst

Payroll Tax Analyst

The Payroll Tax Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax processing across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. This role supports payroll tax filings, deposits, reconciliations, year-end reporting, agency notice resolution, and system/tax table maintenance, partnering closely with Payroll, Finance/GL, HR, and third-party tax vendors to minimize risk and ensure regulatory compliance. This position aligns with general payroll compliance expectations such as ensuring payroll policies are followed and payroll activity is accurate and documented, while specializing in the tax components of payroll operations. Working knowledge of pay period processing to ensure effective backup support.

Job Duties:

• Prepare, review, and support timely submission of payroll tax returns and remittances (federal/state/local), ensuring deadlines are met and amounts are accurate.
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and taxable wages between payroll system outputs, tax vendor reports, and general ledger. Research and correct variances.
• Support year-end wage and tax reporting, including W-2 preparation and distribution; process adjustments and coordinate corrections (e.g., W-2c) as needed.
• Maintain payroll tax configuration integrity (tax tables/rates, employee tax setup), test updates, and validate changes to ensure continued compliance.
• Document payroll tax procedures, recommend process improvements, and provide guidance to internal partners; support special projects and reporting/metrics as assigned.
• Up to date knowledge of pay period processing to ensure backup support.

Hiring Requirements: Associate's degree in accounting, finance or business, or high school diploma plus equivalent work experience of at least 3 years. Experience in payroll tax operations including filings, payments, reconciliations, and issue resolution. Strong knowledge of federal/state/local payroll tax compliance and reporting concepts (multi-jurisdiction exposure preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Payroll or tax certifications (e.g., CPP/FPC)
• Experience with payroll/HRIS and tax vendor processes (e.g., enterprise payroll platforms; system testing and updates)
• Healthcare, higher education, or other complex multi-entity environments (helpful but not required)

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Analytical problem-solving; ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies
• Ability to interpret changing tax requirements and apply them operationally
• Clear written/verbal communication for agency responses and internal guidance
• Strong organizational skills and deadline management, especially during quarter/year-end cycles

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Payroll, HR, Finance/Accounting (GL), Treasury/Cash Management, Internal Audit/Compliance
• External: Federal/state/local tax agencies; third-party tax vendors/service providers

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.