Payroll Business Analyst - Intel Contract Employee

Intel•Folsom, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Business Analyst will support accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations by analyzing payroll data, resolving discrepancies, supporting system testing, and partnering with Payroll, HR, Accounting, IT, and other cross-functional teams. This role requires strong analytical skills, payroll process knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage priorities while driving process improvement opportunities.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and ability to resolve issues with sound judgment.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with cross-functional stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and updates.
Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Bachelor's degree in business, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, or a related field; or equivalent (4+ years) of relevant professional experience.
4+ years of experience in US Payroll and Payroll Accounting.
Strong understanding of payroll processes, compliance requirements, data accuracy controls, and audit readiness expectations.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, data analysis, pivot tables, and macros.
Experience supporting payroll automation, process improvement, system implementations, or operational transformation initiatives.
Experience with payroll systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing documentation for audits, controls reviews, or stakeholder governance.
Experience with Workday and ADP payroll systems.
Previous experience in LATAM Payroll, Finance, HR Operations, or a related operational function.
Payroll certification, process improvement certification, or data analytics certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and eliminate redundant or non-value-added work.
Collaborate with Payroll, HR, Accounting, IT, and other business partners to execute process improvements and issue resolutions.
Analyze payroll data, variable compensation, and related transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Provide feedback and recommendations to improve payroll controls, data quality, operational efficiency, and compliance outcomes.
Initiate and drive assigned projects to completion with minimal guidance.
Support system testing by creating detailed test plans, performing test execution, documenting results, and validating outcomes for initiatives, improvements, or issue resolutions.
Proactively communicate project, testing, or deadline risks to the manager and appropriate stakeholders.
Identify payroll data issues, inconsistencies, and root causes; partner with IT or appropriate teams to resolve them.
Complete ad hoc reporting, payroll analysis, and data validation requests with limited supervision.
Analyze compensation, payroll, or policy-related changes and provide clear findings to business partners.
Prepare clear documentation, reporting, and summaries to support audit readiness, stakeholder communication, and operational decision-making.
Drive business analysis activities, including requirements gathering, process mapping, documentation and user stories.