Senior Payroll Analyst

Senior Payroll Analyst

Location: Charlotte, NC (Hybrid Schedule)

Position Overview

TalentBridge is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Senior Payroll Analyst to oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process for contingent employees across all company locations. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations & Finance, this role serves as the primary payroll subject matter expert (SME), ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll administration in partnership with the organization's third-party payroll provider.

In addition to leading payroll operations, the Senior Payroll Analyst will play a key role in driving process improvements, supporting workforce compliance initiatives, and partnering with leadership, HR, Accounting, and Finance to enhance payroll systems and reporting capabilities. This position requires a strong understanding of multi-state payroll regulations, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Manage and execute the full-cycle payroll process for contingent employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review, reconcile, and validate payroll data, including garnishments, deductions, bonuses, incentive compensation, taxable fringe benefits, and other adjustments.
• Research and resolve complex payroll discrepancies and escalated employee inquiries.
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting and compliance activities with third-party providers.
• Support federal, state, and local audits related to payroll and employment practices.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure payroll entries are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Collaborate with HR and leadership teams on payroll-related compliance initiatives and operational improvements.

Payroll Systems & Reporting

• Serve as the internal expert for payroll and timekeeping systems, providing troubleshooting and guidance to cross-functional teams.
• Develop and maintain complex reports, dashboards, and analytics to support compliance, financial planning, and executive decision-making.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of payroll data and reporting.
• Provide training and support to stakeholders to ensure continuity and efficiency of payroll operations.

Process Improvement & Strategic Initiatives

• Advise management and HR on payroll practices, compliance requirements, and regulatory changes.
• Lead and support payroll-related projects, including system enhancements, process automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recommend and implement best practices to improve efficiency, scalability, and accuracy across payroll operations.
• Participate in special projects and other initiatives that support organizational goals.

Administrative Support

• Independently manage priorities and execute tasks with minimal supervision.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information and documentation.
• Coordinate office supply orders and general administrative needs.
• Manage postal and shipping requests.
• Maintain marketing merchandise inventory.
• Provide administrative support to members of the Senior Leadership Team as needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Associate degree with equivalent senior-level payroll experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive payroll experience with responsibility for full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Experience working with Paycom or a comparable payroll platform strongly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and multi-state payroll compliance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, and performance metrics using multiple data sources.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Strong financial and accounting acumen.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, and data analysis.
• Experience creating dashboards, custom reporting, and key performance metrics for leadership teams.
• Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems; Paycom experience strongly preferred.