Senior Payroll Analyst

Skechers•Manhattan Beach, CA

1d•$80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for end-to-end payroll processing, advanced payroll analysis, and system optimization initiatives. This role plays a critical part in payroll system implementations and enhancements, including hands-on involvement in Workday Payroll implementations, parallel testing, and data validation. This position requires deep technical payroll expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with HRIS, Finance, IT, and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
5–8+ years of progressive payroll experience
Direct hands-on experience with Workday Payroll implementation
Strong experience with ADP payroll systems (Workforce Now, Vantage, or Enterprise)
Proven experience conducting payroll parallel testing and variance analysis
Deep understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data analysis, reconciliation modeling)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive data with discretion

Responsibilities

Lead processing of weekly and biweekly multi-state payroll
Review and validate complex payroll transactions including bonuses, commissions, equity compensation, executive payroll, and off-cycle payments
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
Perform payroll reconciliations including pre- and post-payroll audits, tax reconciliations, and quarter/year-end processing
Partner with Accounting on payroll-related GL reconciliations and accruals
Serve as a key payroll lead in Workday Payroll implementations and system upgrades
Extract and analyze payroll data from ADP for migration into Workday
Build, validate, and reconcile parallel payroll test files between ADP and Workday
Conduct detailed variance analysis during parallel testing and identify root causes of discrepancies
Document findings and partner with HRIS/implementation teams to resolve configuration or calculation issues
Assist in payroll configuration validation including earnings, deductions, taxes, and integrations
Develop and maintain payroll process documentation and controls
Generate complex payroll reports from ADP and Workday for audit, Finance, and leadership reporting
Analyze payroll trends, discrepancies, and compliance risks
Support data requests for internal and external audits
Develop ad hoc reporting and dashboards as needed
Identify automation opportunities and process improvements
Strengthen payroll controls and ensure data integrity across systems
Assist in development of payroll SOPs and best practices