Senior Associate, Payroll

Ankura • New York, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth. Payroll Sr. Associate The Ankura People Office is a strategic partner and enabler for our business and provides support and services to our leaders and colleagues across all our markets to unlock the potential of our people through a differentiated culture, employee experience, and set of learning and development opportunities. Role Overview This position is a critical role within our Global People Operations and Payroll team as part of the People Office (HR) Team within Ankura Business Services. This is an advanced, high-impact role designed for a payroll professional who can "hit the ground running”. You will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of U.S. Payroll, ensuring total compliance across a complex, multi-state environment. The ideal candidate is a Workday expert who understands the nuances of payroll tax, labor laws, and complex reporting, allowing our leadership to focus on strategic initiatives while you maintain a "well-oiled machine." We would prefer candidates near the New York City office (for 1–2 days a week hybrid) but remote opportunities will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Requirements

• 3+ years of relevant multi-state payroll experience
• Proficiency in Workday is highly preferred. Candidates with extensive experience in multiple other payroll systems (such as Ceridian and ADP Workforce Now) will also be considered.
• Deep understanding of U.S. multi-state payroll laws and federal tax requirements (940/941).
• Proven track record of working effectively in a remote/hybrid environment with a high degree of focus and self-motivation.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, a High School Diploma with 5+ years of high-level payroll experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical thinking, a sense of urgency, and the ability to develop rapport across a global firm.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with One Source Virtual (OSV), equity compensation processing, and professional services/consulting environments.
• Understanding of AI tools and basic AI literacy

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Payroll Processing: Independently manage the full U.S. payroll cycle (semi-monthly) and support U.S. payroll year-end activities.
• Workday Mastery: Maintain and update employee records, troubleshoot HRIS issues, and leverage Workday to drive functional excellence and process improvement.
• Tax & Compliance: Manage complex payroll tax actions, including 940s, 941s, tax amendments, and clawbacks. Stay current on evolving multi-state labor and new-hire laws.
• Complex Calculations: Handle manual check calculations, equity compensation (in coordination with Finance/Accounting), and payroll reconciliations.
• Reporting & Audits: Develop and run sophisticated pre- and post-payroll reports in Workday. Lead internal and external audits and workers' compensation reporting.
• Systems Management: Utilize Workday (required), Intapp for timekeeping, and One Source Virtual (OSV) for payroll services.
• Employee Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for complex payroll and policy inquiries, providing guidance with a high degree of empathy and professionalism.
• Documentation: Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure departmental continuity.
• Administrative Support: Manage physical payroll mail (for New York-based candidates) and maintain sensitive data with strict confidentiality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees