SR. PAYROLL ANALYST
About The Position
The Senior Payroll Analyst ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing and serves as a subject matter expert in payroll operations, payroll systems, and regulatory compliance. The role works closely with People Services, Legal, Accounting, Field Operations, and IT to resolve complex payroll issues, support system enhancements, improve business processes, and promote operational excellence. It also provides technical support for payroll initiatives, conducts advanced analysis and reconciliations, supports audits and compliance reporting, and identifies ways to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the employee experience. The position is based at El Pollo Loco’s Restaurant Support Center and follows a hybrid office schedule, with employees in the office three days per week. The position is eligible for overtime pay. Compensation is $35.57–$48.08 per hour, with projected annualized earnings of $73,985–$100,000, plus an annual bonus target of 10% of base salary.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, including processing large, multi-state payrolls.
- At least 3 years supporting enterprise payroll systems.
- Strong understanding of federal and state payroll regulations, with advanced knowledge of California payroll laws.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and reconciliation techniques.
- Experience with payroll audits and reconciliations.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex payroll issues and identify root causes.
- Advanced payroll knowledge.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and influence without direct authority.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
Nice To Haves
- Experience processing payroll for organizations with 4,000 or more employees.
- Certified Payroll Professional certification.
- Experience with enterprise-level payroll systems; Dayforce is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Process accurate and timely bi-weekly, multi-state payrolls in compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Audit and validate payroll transactions, including earnings, deductions, taxes, bonuses, retroactive pay, final pay, and other adjustments.
- Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, reversals, and corrections, and reconcile payroll balances before transmission.
- Administer wage garnishments, including child support, tax levies, creditor garnishments, bankruptcy orders, and other court-ordered deductions, ensuring compliant and accurate withholding.
- Research and resolve payroll and garnishment inquiries in partnership with employees, agencies, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain knowledge of multi-state payroll requirements, with particular expertise in California payroll regulations.
- Support quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, tax reconciliations, audits, and regulatory reporting.
- Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and recurring and ad hoc reporting; monitor payroll trends, metrics, and areas of risk.
- Partner with People Services, Accounting, Field Operations, and IT to resolve complex payroll issues and support business needs.
- Support payroll system testing, upgrades, implementations, and other payroll-related projects.
- Identify and implement opportunities to automate processes, improve payroll accuracy and efficiency, and strengthen internal controls.
- Develop and maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and best practices.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and bonus potential, with a 10% annual bonus target of base salary.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- HSA savings account.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and immediate vesting.
- Paid vacation, sick pay, and 12 paid holidays.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Free El Pollo Loco food and restaurant discounts.
- PerkSpot discounts program.
- Career growth opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
