Sr. Payroll Analyst

Columbia Sportswear Company; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee discounts

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a Sr. Payroll Analyst to manage complex, high‑volume multi‑state payrolls across stores, distribution centers, and offices.

You will serve as a subject‑matter expert, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll processing. The role requires deep knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour rules, and processes for bonuses, equity, and leave programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience supporting complex U.S. payroll operations.
• Experience processing high‑volume, multi‑state payrolls in a large organization.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll taxation, garnishments, and leave‑related pay practices.

Responsibilities

• Process complex multi-state payrolls for a large U.S. employee population, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time delivery.
• Review, audit, and reconcile payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, leave transactions, and timekeeping records.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, partnering with HR, Benefits, Finance, and employees to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Perform payroll validations and detailed audits to ensure employees are paid accurately and in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support payroll activities associated with bonuses, equity transactions, leave programs, off-cycle payments, and other specialized payroll events.
• Maintain expert knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, and company policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, reporting, and system efficiencies.
• Serve as a payroll resource for cross-functional partners, providing guidance, expertise, and support on complex payroll matters.

Skills

Multi-state payroll

Advanced analytical skills

Auditing skills

High-volume payroll experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Work Location

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, with the possibility of adjustments based on business needs.

About the Position

The Payroll team plays a critical role in ensuring thousands of employees across stores, distribution centers, corporate offices, and field locations are paid accurately and on time. As a Sr. Payroll Analyst, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert responsible for processing complex, high‑volume payrolls and resolving payroll issues that require advanced analysis and judgment.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Process complex multi‑state payrolls for a large U.S. employee population, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on‑time delivery.
• Review, audit, and reconcile payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, leave transactions, and timekeeping records.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, partnering with HR, Benefits, Finance, and employees to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Perform payroll validations and detailed audits to ensure employees are paid accurately and in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support payroll activities associated with bonuses, equity transactions, leave programs, off‑cycle payments, and other specialized payroll events.
• Maintain expert knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, and company policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, reporting, and system efficiencies.
• Serve as a payroll resource for cross‑functional partners, providing guidance, expertise, and support on complex payroll matters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience supporting complex U.S. payroll operations.
• Experience processing high‑volume, multi‑state payrolls in a large organization.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll taxation, garnishments, and leave‑related pay practices.
• Experience utilizing payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now or similar enterprise payroll platforms.
• Advanced analytical and auditing skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve payroll issues independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting payrolls for publicly traded or similarly complex organizations.
• Experience processing payroll for large distributed workforces across multiple states and locations.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with payroll reporting and analysis.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

Benefits

Columbia offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and assorted voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). Additional benefits include employee assistance program (EAP), extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts, and generous time‑off. The company is dedicated to employee well‑being across physical, social/emotional, financial, career, and community dimensions.