Payroll Analyst

CHAGEE USA; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401K with company match

Yearly bonus opportunity

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site fitness center

Exclusive discounts

15 days paid time off plus holidays

Continuous education opportunities

Job summary

A modern teahouse company is seeking a Payroll Analyst for a 6-month contract to manage day-to-day payroll operations and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of payroll processing experience, strong knowledge of multi-state payroll, and excellent analytical skills. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement with competitive benefits, including a 401K match, yearly bonuses, and generous paid time off. Join a team dedicated to redefining the tea experience in the US.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience.
• Prior experience operating independently or serving as a payroll lead.
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state payroll laws.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for employees.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related issues.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and audits.
• Oversee year-end payroll activities if applicable.

Skills

Payroll processing

Compliance knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Experience in payroll processing

CPP or FPC certification (preferred)

Tools

ADP

Workday

Job description

CHAGEE (pronounced CHAH-jee) is a modern teahouse with more than 7,000 locations globally.

We are a global brand with proud roots in Yunnan, committed to bringing people together through tea. CHAGEE is awakening a modern tea movement, grounded in authentic heritage, fueled by cutting edge innovation, and crafted to nourish body and spirit.

Overview:

Elevate your career with CHAGEE as a Payroll Analyst.

Through our stores across China, Asia Pacific, and the United States, we serve a staggering 100 million cups of tea monthly. CHAGEE is excited to expand its presence in the US market. This is your chance to be part of an exhilarating journey as we deliver the taste of authentic tea culture to America.

At CHAGEE, we're awakening the world together, one cup at a time. Join a team that's redefining modern tea culture through authentic heritage, cutting-edge innovation, and a commitment to bringing people together.

What you'll do:

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Analyst to serve as a temporary backfill for our Payroll Manager during a 6-month leave of absence. This contractor will own day-to-day payroll operations and ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. The role requires someone who can work independently, partner cross-functionally, and maintain continuity of payroll processes with minimal ramp-up.

Experience you need to be successful:

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees on a bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly cycle
• Ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Review and approve payroll prior to submission, including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and PTO
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related issues during the leave period
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and escalated employee payroll inquiries
• Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and post-payroll audits
• Coordinate payroll funding, off-cycle payrolls, and special payments as needed
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to process employee changes and ensure payroll alignment
• Manage payroll vendor relationships (e.g., ADP, Workday) and troubleshoot system issues
• Support compliance activities including audits, wage and hour reviews, and tax filings
• Oversee year-end payroll activities if applicable (e.g., W-2s, reconciliations)
• Maintain payroll documentation, controls, and standard operating procedures
• 3-5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience
• Prior experience operating independently or serving as a payroll lead or manager backup
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state payroll, wage and hour laws, and payroll taxes
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, Paychex, UKG, or similar
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, reconciliations)
• Proven ability to meet strict payroll deadlines with minimal oversight
• High level of discretion and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP or FPC certification
• Experience supporting payroll audits or SOX controls
• Exposure to benefits administration and garnishment processing
• Prior contract or interim payroll leadership experience
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Confident decision-maker with sound judgment
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn company-specific payroll processes
• Duration: 6 - 8 months
• Classification: Contractor (W-2 or 1099, depending on engagement structure)
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote (as applicable)
• Start Date: ASAP

What We Offer:

• Hybrid work schedule for a balanced life
• 401K with company match to secure your future
• Yearly bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs
• Exclusive discounts at our tea locations, theme parks, and gyms
• Generous paid time off starting at 15 days, plus 7 federal holidays
• Opportunities for continuous education and scholarships
• Income protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave for those difficult times

Who You Are:

Join our team and be part of a brand that's as refreshing as our tea! We're excited to see how your talents will help us grow and create memorable experiences for our customers.

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on considerations including (but not limited to): relevant knowledge and experience for this position, skills, education, certifications and more.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of CHAGEE's expansion into the US market. Join us in shaping the future of premium tea culture and creating unforgettable experiences that will captivate American tea enthusiasts. Apply now and be part of something truly extraordinary!

CHAGEE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.