Payroll Analyst

Payroll AnalystEssential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.The Payroll Analyst plays a critical role in preparing, analyzing, and ensuring the accurate distribution of payroll for an assigned division. This position relies heavily on strong Excel skills, data analysis, and payroll experience. Using the Lawson Financial Reporting system, the Payroll Analyst supports multi-state union and non-union payrolls while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and data integrity across all payroll processes.Essential DutiesProcesses and analyzes weekly and bi-weekly payroll for assigned divisions, including union, hourly, and salaried staff.Enters and validates payroll data, including timesheets, work orders, adjustments, and corrections.Uses advanced Excel skills—pivot tables, lookups, advanced formulas, data auditing—to analyze, validate, and reconcile payroll data.Prepares final pay for terminated employees, ensuring federal and state compliance.Ensures accuracy and compliance by verifying pay rates, deductions, and employee classifications against company policies, union contracts, and SOX controls.Audits timesheet data to identify inconsistencies and resolve exceptions before payroll processing.Responds promptly to payroll questions, providing clear guidance and resolving discrepancies.Updates payroll procedures and maintains accurate documentation of payroll processes.Performs general ledger reconciliation, identifies discrepancies, and prepares supporting documentation for Accounting and Finance.Assists with payroll tax activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual filings processed through the payroll vendor.Processes voluntary employee deductions such as 401(k), ESPP, and United Way.Generates standard and ad hoc payroll reports to support Finance, HR, and Operations in labor cost analysis.Supports system enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives.Partners closely with Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT to resolve issues and manage special requests.Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.Assists with special projects, such as W-2 reconciliation, internal/external audits, and year-end processing.Ensures payroll documents, records, and reports meet audit and compliance standards.QualificationsAssociate's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field requiredBachelor's degree preferredMinimum of 5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state environmentAdvanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis)Experience with general ledger reconciliation and payroll reportingFamiliarity with payroll systems (Lawson preferred) and timekeeping toolsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skillsStrong communication and customer service orientationKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Familiarity with payroll processing systems such as Lawson, ADP, PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.Expert knowledge of payroll, payroll deductions and payroll taxesExcellent Excel or spreadsheet software skills with extensive knowledge of Microsoft office applications, HRIS, and other vendor interface protocolsExcellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal customersStrong customer service skillsAbility to work well under pressure and meet weekly payroll deadlinesAbility to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently with minimumA team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environmentWorking Conditions/Physical Demands:Perform deskbound work- exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Desk work involves sitting/standing most of the time.See, hear, talk, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.Operate standard office equipment.The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This is not an all-inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, demands, etc. may be added or changed to this document on an as-needed basis in order to meet organizational needs.Essential Utilities, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.