Sr. Payroll Analyst

_ Dawn Foods•Jackson, MI

2d•$78,370 - $122,260•Hybrid

About The Position

_ Dawn Foods is a global leader in bakery manufacturing and ingredients distribution. As the partner of choice for inspiring bakery success, we help customers grow their business through meaningful partnerships, research-driven insights and innovations, and products and expertise they can depend on. As a family-owned company, our commitments to our people, products, customers, and corporate values, are all part of our recipe for success. _ Why work for Dawn Foods? PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. CUSTOMERS. Why should you apply? We invest in you! Industry-leading health insurance on Day 1! Competitive Pay 401(K) + company match 10 Paid Company Holidays Paid Time Off Professional training Family-owned business over 100 years in service An opportunity for career advancement, working as part of an empowering workforce Job Purpose and Overview The Sr. Payroll Analyst operates as a senior payroll expert responsible for complex payroll processing, compliance oversight, tax reconciliation, and payroll system support. This role manages escalated payroll issues, ensures payroll accuracy and regulatory compliance, supports payroll system enhancements, and collaborates across departments to maintain efficient payroll operations across the United States and Canada. Work Environment & Travel: This is a hybrid role based at the Home Office in Jackson, MI, with minimal travel (up to 10%). Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required.
A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience supporting payroll operations across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces in a complex environment. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of relevant payroll experience is required.
Advanced knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll laws and tax regulations.
Experience with payroll systems, timekeeping platforms, and integrations (e.g., ADP, Kronos, Ceridian, SAP, or similar HRIS/payroll systems).
Experience performing payroll reconciliations, tax reporting, and payroll auditing.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and strong organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills

Nice To Haves

CPP - Certified Payroll Professional, PCP – Payroll Compliance Practitioner, CPM - Canadian Payroll Association certification, CHRP - Certified Human Resources Professional, or other Payroll/HR-related certifications are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Administers and audits payroll processing for U.S. and Canadian payroll cycles, ensuring accurate and timely execution of bi-weekly and off-cycle payrolls.
Serves as a subject matter expert for payroll compliance, ensuring adherence to U.S. federal, state, and local regulations and Canadian federal and provincial payroll legislation.
Oversees payroll tax governance, including monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax filings, remittances, and year-end reporting (e.g., W-2, W-3, T4, RL-1).
Performs payroll reconciliations and financial controls, including payroll register validation, tax liability balancing, benefit deduction reconciliation, and general ledger alignment.
Investigates and resolves complex payroll issues such as retroactive payments, wage attachments, tax discrepancies, and system-related payroll errors.
Serves as a functional expert for payroll and timekeeping systems, supporting payroll system testing, integrations, and data validation across HRIS, payroll, and finance platforms.
Partners with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Shared Services teams to resolve payroll inquiries, support payroll reporting, and ensure payroll data accuracy.
Identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance automation and reporting capabilities.
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Industry-leading health insurance on Day 1!
Competitive Pay
401(K) + company match
10 Paid Company Holidays
Paid Time Off
Professional training
Family-owned business over 100 years in service
An opportunity for career advancement, working as part of an empowering workforce
comprehensive health and well-being coverage
competitive compensation packages
award-winning benefit offerings
generous 401(k) matching program that provides additional retirement funds and many tools and resources on financial wellness
tuition assistance and educational programs