Senior Payroll Analyst

Unitek Learning • Tempe, AZ

7d • $75,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst works with the payroll team to deliver accurate, timely payroll tax compliance across multiple states, with a strong focus on payroll tax compliance and resolution. As a subject matter expert on state and local tax requirements, the role researches discrepancies, resolves agency notices, and supports required filings and reporting. The analyst partners with HR, Finance, Accounting, and external vendors to maintain effective controls and improve payroll processes.

Requirements

• College coursework in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a related field, or equivalent payroll experience.
• At least 5 years of payroll tax compliance experience.
• At least 7 years of multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Deep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, including multi-state compliance, withholding, reciprocity, and unemployment insurance.
• Advanced experience with payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processes, including Forms W-2 and 941 and state equivalents, as well as resolution of complex tax discrepancies.
• Experience partnering with payroll tax vendors and supporting internal and external audits as a payroll tax subject matter expert.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as Workday, UKG, or ADP Workforce Now, and strong Excel skills.
• Ability to analyze complex payroll data, identify root causes, and document accurate resolutions.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to meet deadlines across payroll cycles.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with HR, Finance, Accounting, vendors, and tax agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including multi-state withholding, reciprocity, unemployment insurance, and reporting.
• Independently review and reconcile quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, and W-3 and state equivalents; drive resolution of material variances.
• Lead complex payroll tax investigations by analyzing payroll data, identifying root causes, determining corrective actions, and confirming resolution.
• Act as the primary escalation point for significant payroll tax issues, partnering with HR, Finance, Accounting, third-party vendors, and tax agencies to resolve them.
• Coordinate responses to payroll tax audits, agency notices, and inquiries; research historical records, substantiate payments, and maintain clear documentation of outcomes.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation, assess operational impact, and recommend updates to payroll processes and tax configuration.
• Strengthen payroll tax procedures, documentation, reconciliations, and internal controls to reduce risk and improve accuracy.
• Review complex earnings, deductions, and tax calculations; provide expert support during payroll processing and year-end activities.
• Oversee state-specific requirements for unclaimed payroll property, including due diligence, reporting, and remittance.
• Provide payroll tax expertise for system upgrades and implementations, including configuration review, testing, reconciliation, and issue resolution.
• Identify recurring issues and lead process improvements across payroll tax operations.
• Assist with payroll system upgrades, tax configuration, implementations, and testing.
• Respond to employee payroll and tax inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Two weeks’ starting vacation per year, increasing based on years of service with the company.
• 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid life insurance at 1x annual salary.
• Leadership development and training for career advancement.
• Tuition assistance and forgiveness for the employee and family up to 100%, depending on the program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed