Senior Tax Analyst

IRIS; Iris (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Inclusive culture

Well-being programs

Job summary

IRIS is seeking a Senior Payroll Tax Analyst to oversee payroll tax compliance across federal, state, and local levels. You will lead complex tax activities, manage agency relationships, and drive process improvements to ensure accurate payroll tax operations.

You will collaborate with Payroll, Finance, HR, and vendors, handle audits, monitor tax legislation, and support system enhancements for year-end reporting. CPP certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of payroll tax compliance experience, preferably in multi-state environments.
• CPP certification or equivalent payroll tax qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accurate calculation, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
• Review and oversee payroll tax filings, including Form 941, 940, state unemployment returns, and other filings.
• Manage complex payroll tax issues, notices, agency inquiries, and escalations.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Act as the primary contact for payroll tax audits and coordinate responses to authorities.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and support regulatory implementation.
• Partner with Payroll, Finance, HR, and external vendors to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support payroll tax system enhancements, testing, updates, and implementations.
• Oversee year-end tax reporting activities (W-2s, W-2Cs, etc.).
• Identify process improvements, controls, and automation opportunities.
• Provide guidance to junior team members and share knowledge across the team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Detail-oriented

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPP certification

Tools

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.

We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Tax Analyst is responsible for overseeing payroll tax compliance and serving as a subject matter expert on payroll tax matters. This role leads complex tax activities, manages agency relationships and audits, supports regulatory changes, and drives process improvements to ensure accurate and compliant payroll tax operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the accurate calculation, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.

• Review and oversee payroll tax filings, including Forms 941, 940, state unemployment returns, and other regulatory filings.

• Manage complex payroll tax issues, tax notices, agency inquiries, and compliance-related escalations.

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reconciliations, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved.

• Act as the primary contact for payroll tax audits and coordinate responses to tax authorities.

• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation, assess business impact, and support implementation of regulatory requirements.

• Partner with Payroll, Finance, HR, and external vendors to ensure ongoing compliance and resolve tax-related issues.

• Support payroll tax system enhancements, testing, updates, and implementations.

• Oversee year-end tax reporting activities, including W-2s, W-2Cs, and other required filings.

• Identify and implement process improvements, controls, and automation opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce risk.

• Provide guidance and support to junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.

• Strong understanding of multi-state payroll tax compliance.

• Experience with payroll systems and payroll tax software.

• Advanced Excel skills, including reconciliations and data analysis.

• Experience managing payroll tax audits, notices, and agency correspondence.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently and act as a trusted payroll tax advisor.

• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on controls and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.

• Experience: 5+ years of payroll tax compliance experience, preferably in a multi-state or high-volume payroll environment.

• Preferred: CPP certification or equivalent payroll tax qualification.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.

• Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.

• Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
  

What to expect from our hiring process

Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role - more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study - but typically you can expect:

1. Application review - we assess your experience and potential

2. Initial call - a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role

3. Skills assessment - tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review

4. Final interview - meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS

We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.

We're committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.