Payroll Tax Analyst

SMS Holdings•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Payroll Tax Analyst plans, performs, organizes, coordinates, and participates in audits across multiple payroll disciplines. The role provides management with consultation and guidance on payroll tax, regulatory compliance, and emerging HRIS trends, while supporting short- and long-term business objectives through effective payroll processes and compliance controls. The position manages payroll tax accounts and payments in U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions; researches tax notices and complex payroll tax matters; identifies and corrects inaccuracies; and maintains current knowledge of payroll tax requirements. It also supports payroll reconciliations, regulatory reporting, year-end tax forms, HRMS tax release testing, special projects, and related policies and procedures. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Intermediate to advanced Excel capabilities, including formulas, pivot tables, macros, and analysis.
Experience with electronic time and attendance systems.
Ability to read and interpret system configuration manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to use web-based and internet applications.
Ability to perform the essential duties with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or two years of related experience.
UKG experience.
FPC or CPP certification.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ADP, ADP Reporting, and UKG.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and participate in quality assurance audits to verify compliance with applicable labor laws and promptly notify the payroll team of discrepancies.
Establish and maintain payroll tax accounts with applicable U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions, coordinating setup with ADP throughout the account lifecycle.
Coordinate accurate and timely processing of U.S. and Canadian payroll tax payments, including withholding and unemployment taxes.
Research and respond to state and local tax agency notices and complex inquiries involving payroll taxes, deductions, and wage withholdings.
Identify the source of inaccuracies, implement required compliance changes, and develop preventive controls.
Maintain current knowledge of payroll tax requirements through PAYO, CPA, ADP Notices, and other payroll tax publications.
Interpret applicable guidance, advise management on compliance implications, and implement policies and procedures to maintain compliance with payroll tax laws and regulations.
Process and reconcile third-party sick pay.
Prepare and provide accurate, timely reports required by regulatory agencies, auditors, internal customers, and legal counsel in connection with litigation.
Reconcile and code payroll department invoices in accordance with established procedures.
Serve as backup for processing daily manual checks and completing positive pay reporting.
Lead testing of HRMS tax releases and coordinate preparation, reconciliation, correction, and filing of year-end Forms W-2 and T4.
Lead reconciliation of payroll tax liabilities and filings with federal, state, local, and provincial tax authorities using ADP SmartCompliance and Payroll Recons.
Validate and reconcile complex tax returns quarterly and annually.
Prepare, process, and reconcile annual U.S. and Canadian withholding forms, including Forms W-2 and T-4, by applicable filing deadlines.
Reissue Forms W-2 and T4 upon request.
Research and resolve out-of-balance conditions and respond to payroll tax inquiries from colleagues.
Correct reconciliation errors and prepare and file amended payroll tax returns when necessary.
Provide payroll tax leadership for special projects, including acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, and internal and external audits.
Assist with HRIS and timekeeping system setup and access.
Partner with management and business stakeholders to interpret, develop, and implement related policies and procedures.
Demonstrate customer service, oral and written communication, quality, timeliness, efficiency, independence, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and dependability skills.