Sr. Analyst, Payroll

Xylem; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst in Charlotte, NC to manage accurate payroll processing across multiple locations and employee groups. This role partners with HR, Finance, IT, and benefits teams to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and to drive process improvements.

The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, experience with major payroll systems, and a deep understanding of payroll tax laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field required, with 4+ years experience.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in payroll processing.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax laws and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on time for multiple locations and employee groups.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data for accuracy.
• Respond to employee inquiries in a timely, professional manner.
• Support benefits payroll, including healthcare and retirement deductions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Strong numerical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Tools

Workday

ADP

Paychex

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Senior Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll across the organization. This position is responsible for analyzing payroll operations, identifying process improvement opportunities, supporting system enhancements, and helping maintain adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. The Senior Payroll Analyst partners closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and benefits teams to drive best practices, strengthen controls, and support efficient payroll operations. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, deep knowledge of payroll systems, and a solid understanding of payroll tax and compliance requirements.

Location: Charlotte, NC

Schedule: Hybrid (in-office 3 days per week)

Senior Payroll Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing

• Process payroll accurately and on time for multiple locations, business units, and employee groups.
• Ensure payroll activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Respond to employee and management inquiries related to payroll matters in a timely and professional manner.
• Support the distribution of pay through direct deposit and other payment methods, as applicable.
• Maintain payroll records, documentation, and audit-ready files.

Payroll Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and distribute standard and ad hoc payroll reports for management and business partners.
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate and resolve payroll issues, variances, and processing errors.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve payroll accuracy, controls, and efficiency.

Benefits Administration

• Support payroll-related benefits administration, including healthcare, retirement, and other employee benefit programs.
• Ensure accurate benefit deductions and employer/employee contributions.
• Process and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and related payroll adjustments.
• Assist with open enrollment and new hire enrollment processes.
• Serve as a point of contact between employees and benefit providers for payroll-related issues.

Compliance and Auditing

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and employment regulations.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and related documentation.
• Conduct internal audits and reviews to ensure payroll accuracy, data integrity, and compliance.
• Support external audits by gathering required data and documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to processes, controls, and policies as needed.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Maintain payroll systems and support updates, enhancements, and ongoing system integrity.
• Test and troubleshoot payroll system issues in partnership with HRIS and IT teams.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Support training for new team members on payroll processes, systems, and procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on system integrations, upgrades, and policy changes impacting payroll.

High-Impact Behaviors

• Continuous Professional Development: Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and staying current on payroll trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively across teams and values diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals and better outcomes.
• Results-Driven Performance: Maintains high standards, takes ownership, and delivers accurate, timely, and effective results.

Senior Payroll Analyst Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 4 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience supporting payroll process improvements, audits, or system implementations.
• Experience working in a multi-state or complex payroll envi