Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and reporting in a multi-state and multi-company environment. Research and resolve complex payroll and timekeeping issues. Provide payroll/timekeeping system support including executing payroll runs, reporting, auditing and testing. Ensure compliance with Federal/State/local tax regulations and Company policies. Partner with cross-functional teams and various business areas on payroll related projects and process improvements. Define payroll processes and internal controls and implement appropriate process improvements and collaborate with payroll systems to build requirements that impact payroll processing. Maintain current knowledge of payroll/tax laws and policies, interpret organizational impact, and implement required process and systems changes to remain compliant and efficient. Act as a Subject Matter Expert for payroll processes, providing guidance and training to team members. This role partners and interfaces with all levels of employees within the company, new hires, other departments, and outside vendors, providing a proactive and positive experience while ensuring an efficient and compliant process. You will guide business partners, managers and employees regarding payroll compliance and adherence to processes, troubleshooting, resolving various issues, and communicating changes to stakeholders, including deliver training and documentation as needed.

Expected Work Location: remote

• Must be able to work Eastern Standard Time core business hours

Reports to: Payroll Operations Manager

What you will do

• Responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing (regular, off-cycle and annual) in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations and tax standards, bargaining agreements and company policies. Calculate and process complex and high-visibility transactions including FLSA calculations and compliance, incentive taxation, retroactive adjustments, payroll reconciliations, mass volume data loads and unique bargaining payouts.
• Research and analyze complex payroll issues including reconciliations, overpayments, taxation and adjustments. Provide technical payroll processing, calculation, and consulting expertise on business and technology issues that impact how/when employees are paid. Communicate research and analysis results to a wide variety of audiences including senior leaders, associates, and external agencies and vendors. Ability to lead independent research and communicate findings effectively.
• Build reports, analyze complex data sets and provide insights to stakeholders to inform business decisions and payroll operational efficiency. This involves using critical thinking skills and independent judgement to audit, identify and resolve issues in the data that may have a downstream impact on payroll. Participate in periodic internal auditing of key responsibilities. Must demonstrate strong analytical thinking and complex problem-solving skills with proficiency in Excel (e.g. Pivot tables, Vlookups)
• Partner directly with both internal and external stakeholders providing excellent customer service in troubleshooting and resolving issues. Build and nurture strong working relationships with all levels across the organization and 3rd party providers. Designated SPOC for assigned functions. Consult and communicate payroll expertise to business in regards to issues and solutions that impact how/when employees are paid.
• Support system implementations and identify areas for process improvements, including testing support. Lead and manage payroll-related projects independently, end to end. Drive and support process improvement initiatives and lead documentation efforts. Act as payroll SME and provides suggestions to enhance and streamline procedures. Create and communicate SOPs while validating policies and procedures against federal and state laws.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, employee data, and timekeeping data. Review daily error reports to identify corrections to employee records. Communicate changes to business owners of upstream and downstream systems as well as proper tax and location assignment in the payroll / timekeeping systems. Review timekeeping audit reports to identify erroneous time entries.
• Apply working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, IRS, DOL FLSA Compensation and fringe benefit programs to ensure adherence and compliance
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of payroll experience in a multi-state, high volume environment

Preferred

• Prior Wage and hour experience
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Prior ADP, UKG, Workday, and / or Oracle Fusion experience
• CPP or FPC Certification

Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills – Pivot tables, VLOOKUP's
• In-depth understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles
• Proficiency in payroll software and systems, including experience with advanced features
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in payroll calculations
• Effective communication skills to liaise with various departments and handle employee inquiries
• Problem-Solving - Ability to analyze complex payroll issues and develop solutions
• Confidentiality - A commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive payroll information