Senior Payroll Analyst

Arclin•Alpharetta, GA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of domestic and global payroll operations while serving as a subject matter expert for payroll systems, payroll accounting, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. This role supports complex payroll activities across multiple pay groups, jurisdictions, and countries, while providing guidance and support to Payroll Analysts and serving as a backup to the Payroll Manager. The Senior Payroll Analyst partners closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Tax, and external payroll providers to ensure payroll compliance, data integrity, reporting accuracy, and operational excellence across the payroll function.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
5-8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including experience with complex, multi-state payroll processing.
Experience supporting global payroll operations and working with international payroll providers.
Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles, payroll reconciliations, and journal entry preparation.
Advanced experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and payroll reporting tools.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
Experience compiling, analyzing, auditing, and reconciling large volumes of payroll data.
Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, compliance requirements, and payroll best practices.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest degree of professionalism.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
Experience with UKG (Ultimate Software), Workday, and global payroll platforms.
Experience supporting payroll system implementations, integrations, and testing efforts.
Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or global operating environment.
Knowledge of SOX controls and audit requirements.
Experience creating payroll dashboards, reporting packages, and workforce analytics.
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and payroll transitions.

Responsibilities

Process and oversee complex payroll transactions for U.S. and global payrolls, including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll cycles.
Review and validate payroll calculations, earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
Serve as the technical expert for payroll systems and interfaces, supporting system enhancements, upgrades, testing, and issue resolution.
Act as the HRIS Payroll Subject Matter Expert, ensuring payroll-related data accuracy across HRIS, payroll systems, and global payroll vendor platforms.
Perform payroll balancing, reconciliation, and audit activities to identify and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll-related journal entries and support payroll accounting activities in partnership with Finance and Accounting.
Lead the resolution of complex payroll issues and escalations, ensuring timely and accurate outcomes.
Conduct quality reviews of payroll transactions, payroll audits, and payroll outputs to ensure compliance with internal controls and company policies.
Design, develop, and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, analytics, and key performance metrics for leadership and business partners.
Assist with quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including reconciliations, reporting, tax filings, and compliance requirements.
Support payroll tax processes, including review of tax payments, filings, and issue resolution.
Maintain accurate payroll data and integrations across payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and third-party payroll vendors.
Lead payroll testing efforts for system upgrades, implementations, configuration changes, and process improvements.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline payroll processes, enhance controls, and improve efficiency.
Partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, and IT teams on payroll-related projects and strategic initiatives.
Serve as a mentor and resource to Payroll Analysts, providing training, guidance, and day-to-day support.
Assist leadership with special projects, audits, acquisitions, integrations, and organizational initiatives.
Act as backup to the Payroll Manager and provide operational leadership during absences.
Support payroll compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations.
Work additional hours during critical processing periods, including year-end, audits, implementations, acquisitions, and payroll transitions.