Senior Tax Analyst

IRIS Software Group; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IRIS Software Group is seeking a Senior Payroll Tax Analyst to oversee payroll tax compliance and act 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.

Ideal candidate brings extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll taxes, experience with payroll systems, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of payroll tax compliance experience.
• CPP certification or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead calculation, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Review Forms 941, 940, and unemployment filings.
• Manage tax notices, agency inquiries, and escalations.
• Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reconciliations.
• Coordinate payroll tax audits and responses to authorities.
• Monitor tax legislation changes and implement requirements.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, HR, and vendors.
• Support payroll tax system enhancements and testing.
• Oversee year-end tax reporting (W-2s, W-2Cs).
• Identify process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Mentor junior team members and share knowledge.

Skills

Payroll tax regs

Multi-state compliance

Payroll software

Excel analytics

Audit management

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Project management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPP Certification

Tools

Payroll systems

Payroll software

Job description

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, recognized 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.
• 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:

• Application review — we assess your experience and potential
• Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
• Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
• 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.

If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.