Payroll Accounting Analyst

Diversified USA • Portland, ME

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

Diversified is a global media company based in Portland, Maine, that connects, educates, and strengthens business communities through events, digital products, and publications. The US division produces industry-leading conferences, expos, and digital content across 15+ industries. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and excellence. The Payroll Accounting Analyst will join the Accounting team, owning end-to-end payroll processing for US, Canadian, and Asia operations, partnering with HR and Accounting to ensure accurate and timely employee payments. The ideal candidate takes pride in accuracy, thrives in a multi-deadline environment, and understands the trust-sensitive nature of payroll. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and equivalent practical experience are encouraged to apply. This is a hybrid position based in Portland, ME, offering flexibility for work-life balance, within a collaborative, mission-driven organization experiencing growth and system transformation.

Requirements

• 5+ years of multi-state payroll processing experience, including at least 3 years working directly in Workday Payroll
• Solid working knowledge of multi-state payroll laws and federal tax compliance
• Experience with international payroll coordination
• Strong GL and accounting fundamentals, with comfort preparing journal entries and supporting month-end close
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Exceptional attention to detail and a genuine commitment to accuracy in a data-sensitive environment
• Clear, professional communicator who can explain payroll topics accessibly to employees at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Ability to manage competing deadlines independently while staying collaborative and approachable
• Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

• Experience with international payroll coordination (Canada and/or Asia-Pacific a plus)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred, or willingness to pursue certification

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and monthly pay groups across the US, Canada, and Asia, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all payroll cycles
• Facilitate global payroll for two international subsidiaries in coordination with in-country payroll providers
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries — resolving questions on pay, deductions, and tax withholding with professionalism and care, and supporting new hires through payroll setup and Workday self-service tools
• Balance quarterly federal and multi-state tax returns; manage reconciliation and distribution of US W-2s, Canadian T4s, and Hong Kong 56a/56b filings
• Calculate and reconcile agency remittances for employee deductions; maintain individual payroll records, direct deposit records, and time records
• Post biweekly deductions to the Canadian RRSP account and monitor and post the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) for the HK payroll
• Register new state and local tax agencies; interpret and stay current with federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax regulations, including unemployment rules
• Manage system updates impacting tax regulations and payroll processing; support systems implementation, acquisition, and project work
• Prepare payroll journal entries for the General Ledger and reconcile payroll transactions to support month-end close; maintain GL mapping in the payroll system
• Facilitate quarter and year-end tax close; calculate and process annual SERP payments and communicate with plan participants
• Compile regular and ad hoc payroll reports; maintain payroll calendars, checklists, and procedural documentation in compliance with record retention policies
• Maintain strong vendor relationships with payroll providers and keep current with evolving payroll and tax law changes
• Collaborate with HR on compliance updates and contribute to a positive, engaging employee experience

Benefits

• Generous paid time off programs including vacation, sick leave, and paid family and medical leave.
• Training & Development: From training conferences to professional development seminars, we invest in resources, including LinkedIn Learning for all staff, that empower employees to excel in their careers.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Inclusive benefits beyond traditional healthcare coverage, including no-cost-to-you services. Free access to all employees and their families to a national network of licensed clinical psychologists, interactive self-paced programs, life coaches, and 24/7 support.
• Wellness Benefits: Employees can earn credit towards their health insurance premiums by engaging in our Wellness Program, which supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being through fitness challenges, webinars, and nutrition education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees