Payroll Analyst

Job Description The Payroll Analyst supports end-to-end payroll operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, sitting within the HR function for confidential payroll access and partnering closely with Finance to deliver accurate, actionable reporting. This role focuses on auditing payroll data, reconciling payroll outputs with finance systems, and translating payroll and benefits information into clear, finance-ready reports for accounting and leadership. The position offers significant opportunity to help shape in-house payroll processes, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and grow into broader finance and accounting responsibilities as the organization expands. Responsibilities Audit payroll data for accuracy, identify errors, and ensure that all payroll inputs and outputs are complete and correct. Balance payroll accounts and support tax-related filings and reporting in collaboration with Finance and Accounting. Reconcile payroll outputs against internal finance and ERP data sources, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports for Finance and Accounting, including labor cost analyses, overtime reports, and workforce metrics. Own payroll-related "tick and tie" deliverables across benefits and deductions, such as 401(k) and HSA contributions, and ensure accurate handoff of data to Accounting. Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation, ensuring they are organized and readily available for review. Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation, explanations, and reconciliations as needed. Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, as well as internal company policies and procedures. Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and operations teams to gather data requirements, streamline data flows, and improve payroll reporting processes. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including enhancements to payroll systems, reporting tools, and related processes. Collaborate with leadership to refine payroll-to-finance reporting and support accruals, variance analysis, and cost reporting. Perform other payroll- and finance-related duties as assigned to support the needs of a growing organization. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. 2–5 years of experience working as a payroll analyst or in a similar payroll-focused role, preferably within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience translating payroll data into finance-friendly reporting, including reconciliations, accrual support, variance analysis, and cost reporting. Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and related compliance requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and data cleanup capabilities. High attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct discrepancies in payroll and financial data. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver accurate work in a fast-paced environment. Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate and resolve complex payroll and reconciliation issues. Ability to bridge HR and Finance priorities and clearly explain complex payroll data to non-technical stakeholders. Proactive, ownership mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a growing organization with evolving processes. Strong stakeholder management skills and a customer-service approach when partnering with internal teams and leadership. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience using Paycor or similar payroll platforms. Experience pulling reports from benefits and retirement vendor portals, such as health insurance, HSA platforms, and 401(k) providers. Comfort working within a homegrown or non-standard ERP environment and building repeatable, reliable reporting processes. Prior experience supporting a foreign-owned organization or collaborating with global or headquarters stakeholders. Patient and steady communication style, with the ability to navigate language, cultural, and decision-making differences with global partners. Experience contributing to the design or improvement of payroll-to-finance reporting processes, especially in organizations bringing payroll in-house. Interest in and capacity for growing into broader finance or accounting responsibilities over time as the organization expands. Work Environment This role is based in an office environment within a fast-paced manufacturing organization. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with collaboration across HR, Finance, and operations teams. The company is expanding significantly and moving into a much larger facility, nearly tripling its footprint, which creates a dynamic setting with evolving processes and systems. Payroll has recently been brought in-house, offering the opportunity to help build and refine payroll and reporting workflows alongside a lean Finance organization. The environment emphasizes cross-functional partnership, continuous improvement, and professional growth, supported by a defined training and knowledge-transfer period with current finance leadership. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmington Hills, MI. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 – $50.00/hr. Benefits Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Farmington Hills, MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr