Payroll Analyst

More Than A Career - A Chance To Make A Difference In People's LivesBuild an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.The hiring manager may elect to fill this position as a Payroll Analyst or one level higher as a Senior Payroll Analyst, dependent upon the experience of the selected candidate.Duke Energy is seeking a highly analytical and customer-focused Payroll Analyst to support payroll operations for one of the nation's largest energy companies. This role is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and a positive employee experience.The Payroll Analyst partners with HR, Finance, Tax, Information Technology, and Duke Energy's payroll service provider to support payroll processes impacting a large and diverse workforce. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, payroll tax expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement.The successful candidate will serve as a trusted payroll subject matter expert, helping drive compliance, operational efficiency, and process modernization initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll OperationsSupport accurate and timely payroll processing for multiple employee populations and pay cycles.Review payroll results, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.Analyze payroll transactions to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.Provide payroll expertise for pay corrections, special payments, and complex employee scenarios.Compliance and ControlsSupport compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 review, validation, and reporting.Support SOX controls and payroll compliance reviews through documentation, testing, and audit support.Research payroll tax issues and provide recommendations for resolution.Coordinate responses to internal and external audit requests.Vendor Partnership ManagementCollaborate with Duke Energy's payroll vendor and service partners to ensure accurate and timely payroll execution.Monitor service delivery and assist in resolving escalated payroll issues.Participate in regular operational reviews and process improvement discussions with vendor partners.Analytics and ReportingPrepare and analyze payroll reports for management, finance, and regulatory purposes.Conduct data analysis to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for process improvements.Utilize Workday and Microsoft Excel to support payroll reporting and decision making.Develop recommendations based on data-driven insights.Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and employee experience.Participate in system implementations, enhancements, and testing activities.Assist in documenting payroll procedures and maintaining process documentation.Support strategic payroll initiatives and cross-functional projects.Key Skills and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or closely related field.Experience with payroll processing, payroll compliance requirements, payroll tax or closely related.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Required Qualifications - Payroll AnalystBachelor's degreeIn addition to required degree, one (1) or more years related work experienceIn lieu of Bachelor's degree(s) AND 1 plus years' related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND five (5) or more years related work experienceRequired Qualifications - Senior Payroll AnalystBachelor's degreeIn addition to required degree, three (3) or more years related work experienceIn lieu of Bachelor's degree(s) AND three (3) or more years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND seven (7) or more years related work experiencePreferred QualificationsCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).Experience supporting large multi-state payroll operations.Experience with Workday Payroll.Experience working with third-party payroll providers.Knowledge of payroll tax reporting and compliance requirements.Experience supporting SOX controls, audits, or compliance programs.Experience with reporting and analytics tools.Utility, energy, or large enterprise payroll experience preferred.What Sets This Opportunity ApartOpportunity to support payroll operations for a Fortune 500 energy company.Exposure to complex, multi-state payroll and tax environments.Significant partnership with HR, Finance, Tax, and external providers.Ability to influence process improvements and modernization efforts.Meaningful impact on employee experience and payroll compliance.Working ConditionsHybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to Duke Energy location.3 days per week in the office requirement