Payroll Analyst

Aston Carter; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Analyst (HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist) to administer payroll, benefits, HRIS, and personnel cost reporting for the U.S./Americas organization. This role ensures accuracy of wages, taxes, benefits, and costs, while partnering with HR, Finance, and auditors.

The role involves governance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, with responsibilities across payroll processing, data integrity, and benefits management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process multiple biweekly and weekly payrolls with accurate timesheet review and deductions.
• Manage payroll workflow to ensure timely processing of all transactions.
• Coordinate with HR to maintain up-to-date employee data across payroll and HR systems.
• Apply correct taxation rules to employer-provided benefits and ensure compliance in payroll calculations.
• Maintain and reconcile import/export files between ERP LN, Ceridian Dayforce, and timekeeping systems.
• Administer Ceridian Dayforce mapping files to support accurate payroll processing and reporting.

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Payroll Analyst (HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist)

Job Description

The Payroll Analyst (HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist) administers and controls all activities related to payroll, benefits, HRIS, and personnel cost reporting for the U.S./Americas organization. This role develops, implements, monitors, and improves payroll and HR operational processes, including internal audit and control procedures, to ensure the accuracy of wages, taxes, benefits, and personnel costs. As the subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, HRIS administration, and personnel cost controlling, this position supports HR governance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance while partnering closely with HR, Finance, Operations, and internal and external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process multiple biweekly and weekly payrolls, ensuring accurate review of approved timesheets and proper tracking and deduction of garnishments and other special payroll deductions.
• Manage payroll workflow to ensure all transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Review and validate payroll entries, earnings, deductions, and hours to ensure correct payment to employees.
• Coordinate closely with Human Resources to maintain accurate and up-to-date employee data across payroll and HR systems.
• Apply appropriate taxation rules to employer-provided benefits and ensure compliance in all payroll calculations.
• Process manual checks when required and ensure proper documentation and reconciliation.
• Maintain import and export files between ERP LN, Ceridian Dayforce, and timekeeping systems, ensuring data integrity and seamless integration.
• Manage and maintain Ceridian Dayforce mapping files to support accurate payroll processing and reporting.
• Administer the electronic timekeeping system, including onboarding new hires and processing terminations in a timely manner.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, as well as requirements from relevant regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with union labor agreements in all payroll and benefits-related activities where applicable.
• Research, resolve, and communicate payroll and transmission issues to appropriate stakeholders, providing clear explanations and recommended solutions.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee questions and concerns regarding payroll, deductions, and related matters.
• Develop ad hoc payroll, financial, and operational reports as needed to support HR, Finance, and leadership decision-making.
• Provide comprehensive support to the Finance team during the monthly close process, including reconciliations and payroll-related reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance requirements, including GRIP and DOA standards related to payroll and personnel costs.
• Administer all employee benefit programs, including enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring accurate data entry and timely processing.
• Coordinate and conduct new employee onboarding sessions, presenting benefits information clearly to ensure understanding of plan options and enrollment provisions.
• Fulfill all governmental regulatory mandates related to benefits and payroll, ensuring required filings are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Plan and administer the annual benefits open enrollment process, including preparing materials, managing employee communications, and updating systems.
• Plan, conduct, and report results of benefits audits to ensure enrollment and dependent data accuracy; partner with Accounting for quarterly and year-end audits related to payroll, workers' compensation, and 401(k).
• Address benefit inquiries from employees and stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate resolution and effective utilization of benefit programs.
• Process and review monthly benefit billings for accuracy, approve invoices for payment, and resolve discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators to manage disability claims and ensure proper documentation and communication.
• Administer COBRA enrollments and manage unemployment and workers' compensation cases in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Support HR governance and reporting activities for all Americas locations, ensuring consistency and compliance across the region.
• Develop and manage quarterly and annual personnel cost plans, including budgeting, forecasting scenarios, and tracking actuals, in collaboration with local and central HR teams.
• Monitor personnel cost budgets and forecasts, analyze variances, and communicate financial impacts to line managers and HR leadership.
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