Senior Payroll Analyst, Wharton Finance & Administration

University of Pennsylvania

12d•$76,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Accountant is the lead expert responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all payroll-related data through rigorous auditing, comprehensive reporting, and systematic review of exceptions. A central focus of this role is conducting ongoing payroll audits, including monthly, quarterly, and seasonal reviews, to verify proper job and student classifications, validate payment plans, reconcile salary activity, and identify discrepancies before they impact financial or regulatory compliance. In partnership with departments and Wharton HR & People Operations, this position troubleshoots complex payroll issues, including overpayments, off-cycle adjustments, and timekeeping exceptions, while identifying systemic drivers and recommending sustainable process improvements.

Requirements

strong analytical capability
attention to detail
proactive approach to identifying and resolving payroll issues through data-driven insights and continuous audit practices
A bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience, or combination of education and experience is required

Nice To Haves

At least 5-7 years of related experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all payroll-related data through rigorous auditing, comprehensive reporting, and systematic review of exceptions
conducting ongoing payroll audits, including monthly, quarterly, and seasonal reviews, to verify proper job and student classifications, validate payment plans, reconcile salary activity, and identify discrepancies before they impact financial or regulatory compliance
troubleshoots complex payroll issues, including overpayments, off-cycle adjustments, and timekeeping exceptions, while identifying systemic drivers and recommending sustainable process improvements

Benefits

excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families
generous retirement benefits
a wide variety of professional development opportunities
supportive work and family benefits
a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare
flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
Penn's exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and your dependent children
generous retirement plans to help you save for your future
Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis
substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year
long-term care insurance
wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance
array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally
access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff
substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household