Payroll and People Analytics Specialist

Partners in Health • Boston, MA

31d • $65,000 - $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll and People Analytics Specialist is responsible for the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all Partners In Health (PIH) U.S. payrolls. This role manages full-cycle payroll operations for exempt and nonexempt staff; oversees on-cycle and off-cycle runs; maintains tax account set up across states and municipalities; and ensures data accuracy across payroll, timekeeping, benefits, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). The Specialist also manages 401k related activities in coordination with other vendors and will develop and conduct data analytics to support organization strategy. This role also manages complex employee classifications and processes (expatriates and cross-site roles) as part of a global nonprofit organization. This is a critical role that ensures PIH maintains a high standard of service, compliance, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in HR, Business, Accounting, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• Minimum 3-4 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, ideally in a multi-state and multi-country global, nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll software/HRIS systems (Paylocity experience a plus).
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices; basic understanding of federal and state wage and hour laws (FLSA, overtime, deductions, etc.).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, PivotTables, data validation).
• Ability to interpret payroll and data reports, troubleshoot system errors, and reconcile data across systems.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax regulations, including FICA, FUTA, SUTA, and garnishment rule; Experience resolving payroll tax discrepancies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical/problem-solving skills; a customer service orientation with the ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.
• The ideal candidate thrives in an environment with oversight and support but is comfortable handling day-to-day responsibilities autonomously and managing competing priorities and strict deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrates the organization's core values of: Commitment, Humility, Integrity and Pragmatic Solidarity/Accompaniment
• Accountability - Able to accept responsibility for one's actions, outcomes, and those of their team.
• Achieving results - Able to set realistic goals, put plans into action, monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and apply lessons learned.
• Adaptability - Able to adapt to change, to balance multiple demands, consider new approaches, and persist towards solutions in changing circumstances.
• Teamwork - Able to work well with others to achieve common goals. Exemplary interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with staff across departments and countries.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with HRIS/timekeeping implementation, system transitions, or vendor management is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process accurate biweekly & weekly payrolls, off-cycle runs, and 401k funding in alignment with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain payroll, benefits, and HR records; and ensure data integrity across systems.
• Review, reconcile, and audit employee timecards and timesheets; proactively follow up with supervisors and staff on discrepancies. Investigate and resolve payroll errors or variances promptly, partnering with HR and Finance/Accounting as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, providing timely, high-quality customer service to employees and managers.
• Review and process wage garnishments, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions.
• Monitor and review federal, state, and local tax as processed by Paylocity, including quarterly and year-end reporting
• Develop and maintain payroll and timecard data retention practices.
• Assist in creating or updating internal payroll processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Support training and onboarding of staff and managers in payroll and timekeeping tools.
• Communicate effectively with the payroll provider to complete payroll activities and resolve situations in a timely manner.
• Steward HR people & data analytics; maintain and enhance HR dashboards and recurring reports (e.g., headcount, turnover, hiring metrics, workforce composition, compensation trends) and steward new innovations in collecting and reporting on people analytics data organizationally.
• Ensure data quality by conducting regular audits, validation, and reconciliation across HR systems.
• Develop and maintain a central library of HR metrics, definitions, and reporting standards.
• Conduct annual processes with analytical inputs (EEO-1, VETs, AAP reporting, etc.).
• Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, FLSA, tax requirements, and internal policies.
• Support annual financial audits and periodic internal or external audit requests.
• Review, verify, and respond to unemployment claims.
• Maintain accurate OSHA logs and support regulatory reporting requirements.
• Conduct periodic audits of timecard approvals, time off compliance, and payroll data to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure accurate payroll contribution file communications and compensation reporting (YTD and PTD) to PIH's 401(k) vendor, John Hancock.
• Partners with 401(k) vendor (John Hancock) and TPA (Compass) to troubleshoot issues, reconcile participant data, and communicate updates
• Provide guidance to employees on 401(k) contribution questions, changes, and general plan processes.
• Active participant in annual 401k audit processes, pulling data and implementing updates or resolutions post-audit.

Benefits

• eligible employees may enroll in a 401(k) plan with automatic employer contribution, as well as participate in organization-sponsored medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents.
• PIH offers professional development and home office reimbursements as well as a flexible paid time off policy with no maximum, generous holiday time, summer and winter breaks, and a sabbatical leave policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees