Payroll Analyst

Aqua America, Inc.; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking a Payroll Analyst to prepare, analyze, and ensure accurate payroll distribution for assigned divisions. The ideal candidate will possess advanced Excel skills and have a minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, particularly in a multi-state context.

Your responsibilities will include processing payroll, verifying pay rates and deductions, and assisting with payroll tax filings. Join a company that values equal employment opportunity and commitment to inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment.
• Experience with general ledger reconciliation and payroll reporting.
• Familiarity with payroll systems and timekeeping tools.

Responsibilities

• Process and analyze weekly and bi-weekly payroll for assigned divisions.
• Verify pay rates, deductions, and employee classifications against policies.
• Assist with payroll tax activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual filings.

Skills

Advanced Excel proficiency

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Customer service orientation

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Lawson Financial Reporting system

ADP

PeopleSoft

SAP

Job description

The Payroll Analyst plays a critical role in preparing, analyzing, and ensuring the accurate distribution of payroll for an assigned division. Utilizing the Lawson Financial Reporting system, the Analyst supports multi‑state union and non‑union payrolls, ensuring compliance and data integrity.

Essential Duties

• Process and analyze weekly and bi‑weekly payroll for assigned divisions, including union, hourly, and salaried staff.
• Enter and validate payroll data, including timesheets, work orders, adjustments, and corrections.
• Use advanced Excel skills—pivot tables, lookups, advanced formulas, and data auditing—to analyze, validate, and reconcile payroll data.
• Prepare final pay for terminated employees, ensuring federal and state compliance.
• Verify pay rates, deductions, and employee classifications against company policies, union contracts, and SOX controls.
• Audit timesheet data to identify inconsistencies and resolve exceptions before payroll processing.
• Respond promptly to payroll questions, providing clear guidance and resolving discrepancies.
• Update payroll procedures and maintain accurate documentation of payroll processes.
• Perform general ledger reconciliation, identify discrepancies, and prepare supporting documentation for Accounting and Finance.
• Assist with payroll tax activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual filings processed through the payroll vendor.
• Process voluntary employee deductions such as 401(k), ESPP, and United Way.
• Generate standard and ad hoc payroll reports to support Finance, HR, and Operations in labor cost analysis.
• Support system enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives.
• Partner closely with Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT to resolve issues and manage special requests.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Assist with special projects, such as W‑2 reconciliation, internal/external audits, and year‑end processing.
• Ensure payroll documents, records, and reports meet audit and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi‑state environment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis).
• Experience with general ledger reconciliation and payroll reporting.
• Familiarity with payroll systems (Lawson preferred) and timekeeping tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and customer service orientation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with payroll processing systems such as Lawson, ADP, PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.
• Expert knowledge of payroll, payroll deductions and payroll taxes.
• Excellent Excel or spreadsheet software skills with extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, HRIS, and other vendor interface protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal customers.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet weekly payroll deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team, fostering a multi‑tasking environment.

Essential Utilities, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Essential Utilities is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1‑877‑271‑9012).