Payroll Analyst: Advanced Excel & Multi-State Payroll

aquaamerica; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Utilities, Inc. is seeking a Payroll Analyst to prepare, analyze, and ensure accurate payroll distribution for an assigned division. The role emphasizes strong Excel skills, data analysis, and experience with Lawson, supporting both union and non‑union payrolls across multiple states.

The successful candidate will validate timesheets, ensure SOX compliance, and maintain payroll documentation while collaborating with Finance, HR, and IT to resolve issues and drive process improvements.

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

Responsibilities

• Processes and analyzes weekly and bi-weekly payroll for assigned divisions, including union, hourly, and salaried staff
• Enters and validates payroll data, including timesheets, work orders, adjustments, and corrections
• Uses advanced Excel skills—pivot tables, lookups, advanced formulas, data auditing—to analyze, validate, and reconcile payroll data
• Prepares final pay for terminated employees, ensuring federal and state compliance
• Ensures accuracy and compliance by verifying pay rates, deductions, and employee classifications against company policies, union contracts, and SOX controls
• Audits timesheet data to identify inconsistencies and resolve exceptions before payroll processing
• Responds promptly to payroll questions, providing clear guidance and resolving discrepancies
• Updates payroll procedures and maintains accurate documentation of payroll processes
• Performs general ledger reconciliation, identifies discrepancies, and prepares supporting documentation for Accounting and Finance
• Assists with payroll tax activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual filings processed through the payroll vendor
• Processes voluntary employee deductions such as 401(k), ESPP, and United Way
• Generates standard and ad hoc payroll reports to support Finance, HR, and Operations in labor cost analysis
• Supports system enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives
• Partners closely with Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT to resolve issues and manage special requests
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Assists with special projects, such as W-2 reconciliation, internal/external audits, and year-end processing
• Ensures payroll documents, records, and reports meet audit and compliance standards

Skills

Advanced Excel

Multi-state payroll

Payroll reporting

SOX controls

Data analysis

Education

Associate’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Lawson

ADP

PeopleSoft

SAP

Job description

Essential Utilities, Inc. is seeking a Payroll Analyst to prepare, analyze, and ensure accurate payroll distribution for an assigned division. The role emphasizes strong Excel skills, data analysis, and experience with Lawson, supporting both union and non‑union payrolls across multiple states.

The successful candidate will validate timesheets, ensure SOX compliance, and maintain payroll documentation while collaborating with Finance, HR, and IT to resolve issues and drive process improvements.