Senior Payroll Analyst

Mariden Search; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariden Search is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst with strong Rippling experience to lead and optimize payroll operations across the United States and international locations. The role partners with Finance, HR, and Operations to ensure accurate payroll processing for employees, including those with variable compensation structures, and to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring 4+ years of payroll experience, hands-on Rippling expertise, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration or related field.
• 4+ years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll for large employee populations.
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills.
• Hands-on experience with Rippling strongly preferred.
• Exposure to international payroll operations (Europe and/or Mexico).
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, conversions, or integrations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute semi-monthly payroll processing for approximately 1,000 employees across the United States.
• Serve as the internal payroll expert for Rippling and related payroll technologies.
• Partner with Finance, HR, and Operations to ensure accurate payroll administration for employees with variable compensation structures.
• Support payroll operations for international employees and entities, including Europe and future expansion into Mexico.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, local, and international regulations.
• Lead payroll-related system enhancements, integrations, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with accounting and finance teams on payroll reconciliations, month-end close activities, accruals, and reporting.

Job description

***Must Have Rippling Payroll System Experience***

Senior Payroll Analyst (Rippling Required)

This organization is a leading provider of educational and counseling services supporting students, families, schools, and communities both domestically and internationally. Following a recent acquisition, the company continues to invest in scalable operations, technology, and people to support its growth strategy. Today, the organization employs approximately 1,000 employees across the country, with additional operations abroad and expansion plans into new international markets. Through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the organization completes several add-on acquisitions annually and continues to build a best-in-class finance and people operations function.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Analyst to join our growing Finance and Human Resources team. This individual will play a critical role in managing and improving payroll operations across the United States and international locations. Reporting directly to Finance and HR leadership and partnering closely with the Controller, this role will serve as the internal payroll subject matter expert, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring strong payroll processing experience, exposure to international payroll operations, and experience supporting system implementations and integrations. This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll professional who wants to move beyond transactional processing and help build scalable payroll processes within a fast-growing, acquisition-oriented organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute semi-monthly payroll processing for approximately 1,000 employees across the United States.
• Serve as the internal payroll expert for Rippling and related payroll technologies.
• Partner with Finance, Human Resources, and Operations to ensure accurate payroll administration for employees with variable compensation structures, including tutors, counselors, and other service professionals.
• Support payroll operations for international employees and entities, including Europe and future expansion into Mexico.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, local, and international regulations.
• Review payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to processing.
• Analyze payroll trends, identify discrepancies, and proactively resolve issues.
• Lead payroll-related system enhancements, integrations, and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist with onboarding newly acquired businesses and integrating employees into the payroll processes.
• Collaborate with accounting and finance teams on payroll reconciliations, month-end close activities, accruals, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with HR leadership to improve employee experience and payroll service delivery.
• Support audits, tax reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Rippling Payroll System Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll for large employee populations.
• Hands-on experience with Rippling strongly preferred.
• Exposure to international payroll operations, including Europe and/or Mexico, strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, conversions, or integrations.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within education, training, professional services, healthcare, counseling, or other people-intensive service organizations.
• Exposure to acquisition integrations and employee onboarding at scale.
• Experience working with payroll systems integrated with operational platforms and financial systems.