Sr. Analyst, Payroll

Xylem•Charlotte, NC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the organization. The role analyzes payroll operations, identifies process improvements, supports system enhancements, and helps maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. It partners with Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and benefits teams to strengthen controls and support efficient payroll operations. The position is hybrid in Charlotte, North Carolina, with three days per week in the office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 4 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines.
Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
Experience supporting payroll process improvements, audits, or system implementations.
Experience working in a multi-state or complex payroll environment.

Responsibilities

Process payroll accurately and on time for multiple locations, business units, and employee groups.
Ensure payroll activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data for accuracy and completeness.
Respond to employee and management payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
Support the distribution of pay through direct deposit and other applicable payment methods.
Maintain payroll records, documentation, and audit-ready files.
Prepare and distribute standard and ad hoc payroll reports.
Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
Investigate and resolve payroll issues, variances, and processing errors.
Provide data-driven recommendations to improve payroll accuracy, controls, and efficiency.
Support payroll-related benefits administration, including healthcare, retirement, and other employee benefit programs.
Ensure accurate benefit deductions and employer and employee contributions.
Process and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and related payroll adjustments.
Assist with open enrollment and new-hire enrollment processes.
Serve as a point of contact between employees and benefit providers for payroll-related issues.
Maintain compliance with payroll tax laws and employment regulations.
Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and related documentation.
Conduct internal audits and reviews of payroll accuracy, data integrity, and compliance.
Support external audits by gathering required data and documentation.
Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to payroll processes, controls, and policies.
Maintain payroll systems and support updates, enhancements, and system integrity.
Test and troubleshoot payroll system issues with HRIS and IT teams.
Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
Support training for new team members on payroll processes, systems, and procedures.
Collaborate across functions on system integrations, upgrades, and policy changes affecting payroll.
Demonstrate ongoing learning and stay current on payroll trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
Work effectively across teams and value diverse perspectives.
Take ownership and deliver accurate, timely, and effective results.