Junior Payroll Analyst

Cherokee Federal•McLean, VA

About The Position

The Junior Payroll Analyst supports accurate and timely payroll processing through data entry, employee-information review, responses to routine payroll inquiries, record maintenance, and assistance with payroll audits and reconciliations. The role works closely with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Timekeeping, and other internal teams to ensure payroll information is complete, accurate, and processed according to established procedures and deadlines. The position supports weekly, biweekly, off-cycle, and other payroll activities. It reviews payroll transactions and supporting documentation, helps investigate discrepancies, maintains payroll records, assists employees and managers with routine questions, and escalates complex issues as needed. The role requires careful handling of confidential employee and payroll information. Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment. The position has no supervisory or management authority.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to work effectively under strict payroll deadlines.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Entry-level experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

0–2 years of payroll, HR, accounting, finance, or related administrative experience preferred.
1–2 years of payroll, HR, accounting, finance, or related administrative experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Support weekly, biweekly, off-cycle, and other payroll processing activities as assigned.
Review and enter payroll transactions, including deductions, earnings, adjustments, and other employee payroll updates.
Review payroll data and supporting documentation for accuracy before processing.
Assist with pre- and post-payroll audits and identify discrepancies requiring correction or escalation.
Monitor payroll inboxes and ticketing systems and respond to routine employee and manager inquiries within established service-level expectations.
Research payroll questions and escalate complex tax, compliance, system, or calculation issues to Payroll Analysts or Payroll leadership as appropriate.
Assist with off-cycle payments, manual checks, returned payments, stop payments, and direct deposit corrections.
Assist with employee overpayment tracking and recovery activities.
Maintain accurate payroll records, documentation, trackers, and supporting files.
Review timekeeping and payroll data for missing, incomplete, or potentially inaccurate information and coordinate corrections with appropriate stakeholders.
Support payroll-related audits by gathering documentation and responding to information requests.
Follow established payroll procedures, internal controls, and data privacy requirements.
Maintain strict confidentiality of employee compensation, banking, tax, garnishment, and other sensitive information.
Perform other payroll-related duties and special projects as assigned.