Payroll Associate

Payroll Associate – HR Operations

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Associate to join the HR Operations team. This role is responsible for supporting end-to-end payroll processing in an in-house payroll environment, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, payroll systems experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and support bi-weekly payroll processing within an enterprise payroll system.
• Review, validate, and process payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, salary changes, bonuses, and payroll adjustments.
• Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and within established deadlines.

• Coordinate daily activities with outsourced payroll support teams to ensure service quality and timely execution.
• Review work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established service standards.
• Partner with third-party vendors to manage payroll-related activities such as garnishments and other deductions.
• Monitor vendor performance and assist in resolving operational issues.

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries through HR case management systems.
• Collaborate with HR, Employee Relations, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to resolve payroll-related concerns.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional customer service to employees and business partners.

• Participate in payroll system testing, including upgrades, enhancements, and process changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, and support automation initiatives.
• Assist in implementing process improvements and best practices.

• Ensure compliance with payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and support internal and external audit requests.
• Partner with Payroll Tax and other functional teams to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in payroll, HR operations, or a related field.
• Experience working with enterprise payroll systems (SAP Employee Central Payroll or similar preferred).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting outsourced payroll operations.
• Knowledge of payroll audits, reconciliations, garnishments, and payroll compliance.
• Familiarity with HR case management systems.
• Experience participating in payroll system testing and process improvement initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Accountability and ownership of responsibilities.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to accuracy.