Payroll Analyst

Confidential; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Payroll Analyst to lead US and Canada payroll operations and implement best practices for accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

The role focuses half on independent payroll analysis and strategic planning, and half on standard payroll processing, audits, and reconciliations, with collaboration across finance and HR and external agencies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll or closely related experience with US payroll.
• Experience with US & Canada payroll operations; Canada experience a plus.
• Expertise in payroll controls, auditing, compliance, taxes, and garnishments.
• Experience liaising with state and federal agencies.
• Experience leading Workday payroll implementations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and independent work skills.
• Excellent communication to teach, influence, and guide cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business or related field; CPP/FPC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for US & Canada payroll operations, including end-to-end payroll processing.
• Analyze and improve payroll controls, audits, and processes.
• Support payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Manage payroll tax filings, garnishments, and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with state/federal agencies, auditors, and payroll vendors.
• Support and lead internal and external audits, including SOX, Workers’ Comp, and agency audits.
• Drive Workday payroll enhancements, including requirements gathering, testing, controls design, and post-implementation review.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including SOPs, learning guides, and manager training materials.
• Support strategic payroll initiatives and special projects.

Skills

Payroll analysis

Payroll controls

Auditing & compliance

Workday payroll

Regulatory knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication & leadership

Documentation & training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business

FPC or CPP certification preferred

Tools

Workday payroll

Job description

A leading provider of global software and data in the HR technology industry is looking to hire a Payroll Analyst.

The Payroll Analyst is a subject matter expert (SME) responsible for applying payroll expertise to support, advise, and lead payroll‑related activities across the organization. This role partners closely with Payroll Operations, People & Culture, Finance, Internal Audit, and external agencies to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient US & Canada payroll processing.

About 50% of the consultant’s time is spent on independent payroll analysis, strategic planning, decision‑making, and recommending best practices related to payroll operations, controls, systems, and compliance. The other 50% of the consultant’s time is spent on standard payroll operations.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for US & Canada payroll operations, including end‑to‑end payroll processing.
• Analyze, develop, and recommend payroll controls, audit standards, and process improvements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
• Partner with the entire Payroll team to support payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Support payroll compliance activities, including payroll tax filings, garnishments, and regulatory requirements at both state and federal levels.
• Act as a key liaison with state and federal agencies, external auditors, and third‑party payroll vendors.
• Support and lead internal and external audits, including SOX, Workers’ Compensation, and agency audits.
• Drive system improvements and Workday payroll enhancements, including requirements gathering, testing, controls design, and post‑implementation review.
• Recommend and implement payroll best practices to improve efficiency, control environment, and employee experience.
• Provide payroll accounting expertise, including journal entries, reconciliations, and coordination with Finance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including SOPs, learning guides, and manager training materials.
• Support strategic payroll initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• +5 years of progressive payroll or closely related experience, with demonstrated expertise in US payroll operations. Canada payroll experience a plus.
• Proven experience as a payroll subject matter expert, advising leadership and guiding payroll teams.
• Strong knowledge of payroll controls, auditing practices, compliance, payroll taxes, and garnishments.
• Hands‑on experience working with state and federal agencies.
• Experience supporting or leading Workday payroll or similar enterprise payroll systems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to teach, influence, and guide cross‑functional teams and leadership.
• Demonstrated experience developing documentation, training materials, and process guides.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• FPC or CPP certification preferred (CPP strongly preferred).
• Regardless of title, you are a trusted payroll expert — a leader who brings deep knowledge of payroll processes, systems, controls, and compliance. Your primary focus is leading payroll‑related activities to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization.