HR Operations Analyst Senior

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Analyst is responsible for executing accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for the organization. This role serves as a payroll subject matter expert, ensuring data integrity, maintaining strong internal controls, and partnering with HR, Finance, and operational teams to support a seamless associate experience. The Senior Payroll Analyst also contributes to ongoing process improvement, technology optimization, and payroll reporting to support business operations and HR Shared Services (HRSS) goals.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Payroll Processing & Operations

• Manage the full payroll cycle with a high degree of independence, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable wage and hour requirements.
• Review and evaluate payroll data, including hours, earnings, deductions, retro pay, and special payments; identify issues, determine appropriate corrections, and resolve discrepancies.
• Evaluate payroll exceptions and make decisions regarding off‑cycle payrolls and pay adjustments, considering compliance risk, operational impact, and employee experience.
• Interpret and apply payroll‑related tax, benefits, and garnishment requirements, addressing non‑routine or complex situations and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Maintain oversight of employee pay records and payroll system data, approving corrections and improvements to support accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Act as a payroll subject matter resource, providing guidance to HR, Finance, and management on payroll practices and related compliance considerations.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Ensure payroll operations adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain and document payroll controls in alignment with SOX and internal audit requirements.
• Prepare audit support and reconciliations, and regulatory filings.
• Monitor Prepare for legislation changes and recommend required updates.

Reporting, Reconciliation & Analytics

• Prepare and analyze payroll reports for HR, Finance, and leadership.
• Reconcile payroll results, identify discrepancies, and perform root-cause analysis.
• Support year-end activities including W-2 validation, tax balancing, and reporting.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on payroll trends and data.

Systems, Process Optimization & Projects

• Partner with HRIS and HRSS teams on system enhancements, configuration updates, and testing.
• Improve payroll processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and associate experience.
• Support implementation of new technology, automation, or workflow changes.
• Contribute to payroll documentation, SOP updates, and knowledge management.

Customer Service, Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

• Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll inquiries from associates and HR partners.
• Work closely with HR Business Partners, Total Rewards, Workforce Management, and Finance teams.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to HRSS colleagues on payroll procedures

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of payroll processing experience in a mid-to-large organization.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience with Workday, SAP, UKG, ADP, or similar platforms strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• High proficiency in Excel and payroll reconciliation techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential data.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
• CPP or equivalent certification preferred; multilingual ability (Spanish or French) a plus.
• Occassional travel