Payroll DS Senior Analyst

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • New Brunswick, NJ

21h • $79,000 - $142,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll DS Senior Analyst is responsible for delivering timely, accurate, and compliant payroll by being a subject matter expert (SME) to assigned complex payroll processes for designated countries/regions, ensuring adherence to global standards, statutory requirements, internal controls, and service-level commitments. The Senior Analyst will drive continuous improvement, mentor analysts, support audit and system enhancements, and partner with cross-functional teams to improve accuracy, efficiency, and payroll experience. The Senior Analyst will work closely with the Payroll Senior Team Lead in planning and managing operational and project deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, finance, accounting, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in HR or finance/payroll operations, preferably in a shared services or multinational environment.
• 1–2 years of leadership, mentoring, or coaching experience.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of payroll processing concepts and statutory payroll requirements
• Proficiency with payroll and HR systems (SAP and/or Workday preferred; ADP and other payroll systems advantageous).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic macros) and common Microsoft Office tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience with case management or ticketing tools.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• High degree of confidentiality and adherence to data privacy and internal controls.
• Customer-focused with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative team player who builds effective working relationships.
• Adaptable to multiple cultures and cross-functional interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting regional payroll processes.
• Experience with timekeeping systems or case management tools.
• Payroll certifications
• Experience working with external payroll providers (e.g., ADP, EY, Deloitte).
• Familiarity with SOX and business control frameworks, desktop procedures, and knowledge-management practices.
• Prior experience in continuous improvement initiatives, automation tools (e.g., Alteryx), or payroll reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Process and validate complex payroll transactions, reports, and requests for assigned countries/regions, in alignment with global standards and country-specific requirements.
• Prepare, reconcile, and review payroll reports; validate statutory payments and third-party disbursements as applicable.
• Investigate, resolve and document complex payroll issues and employee inquiries.
• Support escalations and engage with agencies or vendors as needed.
• Monitor payroll mailboxes and manage cases and inquiries through service management tools.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Execute tasks in compliance with SOX requirements, internal controls, audit procedures, and country legislation.
• Lead/support audits by supplying requested records and evidence in a timely manner.
• Ensure regular review and update of payroll documentation including SOPs, process guides, work instructions.
• Uphold confidentiality and ensure adherence to data privacy regulations.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement opportunities for process optimization, automation, and standardization.
• Analyze impact of process and system changes.
• Lead/support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and verification of system changes, releases, and vendor/system upgrades.
• Collaborate with internal partners (HR, Finance, IT) and third-party payroll providers on operational and project-related activities.
• Mentor and coach Payroll Analysts and junior team members.
• Assist Senior Team Lead in task and resource planning, project execution, and daily operations.
• Support resource onboarding and knowledge transfer activities.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• 10 days Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior