Payroll Specialist

Confidential; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Travel opportunities (up to 10% travel

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Payroll Analyst to manage accurate, timely payroll across biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly cycles, including commissions. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, and Sales to ensure correct data and compliant filings.

Responsibilities include payroll tax reconciliation, multi-state tax compliance, audits, reporting, and system optimization. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of payroll experience and advanced Excel skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of payroll experience in a mid-size or large organization.
• Experience processing biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls, including commissions.
• Hands-on experience with payroll tax reconciliation, multi-state tax requirements, and quarterly/annual filings.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, reconciliations).
• Solid understanding of wage and hour laws, payroll tax concepts, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls with precision.
• Calculate, validate, and process commission payments; partner with Sales/Finance to ensure data accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll taxes and support multi-state tax filings and reporting.
• Maintain payroll configurations; troubleshoot issues and support HRIS workflow improvements.
• Prepare and reconcile workers’ compensation reports; support audits and compliance.
• Reconcile 401(k) contributions and assist with audits and testing.
• Ensure adherence to wage and hour laws and maintain payroll records for filings.
• Build and maintain payroll reports and dashboards; analyze trends for improvements.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations to resolve issues.
• Respond to employee pay questions and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Payroll processing

Commission payments

Tax reconciliation

Multi-state payroll tax

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Communication

Tools

Excel

Job description

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple pay cycles, including biweekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly payrolls, as well as commission payments. This role supports payroll operations, payroll tax compliance, audits, reporting, and system optimization.

Duties:

• Multi‑Cycle Payroll Processing — Process biweekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly payrolls with precision, ensuring accurate earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments.
• Commission Administration — Calculate, validate, and process commission payments; partner with Sales/Finance to ensure correct data and timely payouts.
• Payroll Tax Compliance — Reconcile payroll taxes, validate tax filings, monitor multi‑state tax requirements, and support quarterly and annual tax reporting.
• Payroll Operations — Maintain payroll configurations, troubleshoot issues, support upgrades, and collaborate with HRIS on workflow improvements.
• Workers’ Compensation Reporting — Prepare and reconcile wage and premium reports; support annual audits and ensure compliance with state requirements.
• 401(k) Audit Support — Reconcile contributions, validate eligibility and match calculations, and partner with Finance and external auditors during annual plan audits.
• Payroll Compliance — Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour laws; maintain accurate payroll records and support regulatory filings.
• Reporting & Analytics — Build and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and reconciliations; analyze trends and identify process improvements.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Work closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations to resolve payroll issues and support business initiatives.
• Employee Support — Provide timely, accurate responses to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, timekeeping, and tax forms.
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
• Perform other human resources duties as requested.

Education and Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of payroll experience in a mid‑size or large organization.
• Experience processing biweekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly payrolls, including commissions.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll tax reconciliation, multi‑state tax requirements, and quarterly/annual filings.
• Demonstrated experience with workers’ compensation reporting and annual audits.
• Experience supporting 401(k) audits, contribution reconciliations, and compliance testing.
• Solid understanding of wage and hour laws, payroll tax concepts, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, reconciliations).
• High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and analytical problem‑solving skills.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods.

Working Conditions:

Normal Office Environment; this role is considered hybrid (3 days in office)

Travel Expectations:

up to 10% overnight travel annually for team meetings and offsite training