Sr. Analyst, Payroll

Xylem•Charlotte, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the organization. The role analyzes payroll operations, identifies opportunities for process improvement, supports system enhancements, and helps maintain compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. It partners with Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and benefits teams to strengthen controls and support efficient payroll operations. The position is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a hybrid schedule requiring three days per week in the office. The role processes payroll for multiple locations, business units, and employee groups; reviews and reconciles payroll data; handles payroll inquiries; supports payment distribution; and maintains payroll records. It also prepares and analyzes payroll reports, investigates variances and errors, supports payroll-related benefits administration, and processes benefit deductions, contributions, invoices, and adjustments. The Senior Payroll Analyst maintains payroll tax and employment-law compliance, prepares tax filings, conducts internal reviews, and supports external audits. The role maintains payroll systems, tests and troubleshoots issues with HRIS and IT, recommends and implements process improvements, supports team training, and collaborates on integrations, upgrades, and policy changes.

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 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, identify trends and discrepancies, investigate and resolve errors, and recommend improvements.
Support payroll-related benefits administration, including accurate 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, and serve as a contact for payroll-related issues with benefit providers.
Maintain compliance with payroll tax laws and employment regulations, and prepare and submit payroll tax filings and related documentation.
Conduct internal payroll audits and reviews and support external audits by gathering required information.
Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to 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 on system integrations, upgrades, and policy changes affecting payroll.