Senior Payroll Analyst

American Air Filter International•Lyndon, KY

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of payroll for non-union, multi-state manufacturing operations. This role manages complex payroll activities across multiple locations, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. The Senior Payroll Analyst performs detailed payroll analysis, resolves discrepancies, supports internal and external audits, and maintains payroll system integrity. Working closely with HR, Finance, and site leadership, this position focuses on day-to-day payroll operations, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement to support efficient plant operations and a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred;
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered;
5+ years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a manufacturing or multi-site environment;
Demonstrated experience processing multi-state payroll for non-union hourly and salaried populations;
Strong knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, and statutory deductions;
Experience with enterprise payroll systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, Paychex, or similar);
Proficiency with time and attendance systems;
Strong Excel skills, including data analysis, pivot tables, and reconciliations;
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy;
Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines simultaneously;
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills;
Effective written and verbal communication skills;
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism;

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation;
Experience supporting manufacturing plants with complex schedules and overtime rules;
Experience partnering closely with Finance on labor cost and general ledger reconciliations.

Responsibilities

Process or oversee end-to-end payroll activities for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states and locations.
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, retro pay, and other earnings common to manufacturing environments.
Review payroll inputs, audits, and validation reports to ensure accuracy prior to payroll submission.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and system issues in a timely manner.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll reporting requirements.
Monitor and implement changes related to multi-state taxation, garnishments, child support orders, and other statutory deductions.
Partner with HR and Legal as needed to address compliance risks and corrective actions.
Perform detailed payroll data analysis to identify trends, variances, and potential errors.
Prepare and reconcile payroll-related reports, including labor cost reports, tax filings, and general ledger reconciliations.
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing.
Serve as an advanced user and subject-matter expert for payroll systems and timekeeping platforms.
Maintain payroll system integrity, including earnings codes, tax configurations, and reporting structures.
Identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and automation within payroll operations.
Assist with payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementations as needed.
Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation, reconciliations, and explanations.
Ensure payroll controls are followed and documented to maintain data accuracy and compliance.
Assist in developing and maintaining payroll policies, procedures, and desk guides.
Partner with HR, Finance, and plant leadership to ensure payroll accuracy and operational alignment.
Provide guidance and training to payroll coordinators or junior analysts as needed.
Serve as a resource for managers regarding payroll-related questions and best practices.