Payroll Analyst

Payroll Processing & Execution Own and execute end?to?end payroll processing (regular, off?cycle, special, and annual runs), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, tax standards, bargaining agreements, and company policies. Perform and validate high?volume payroll data loads and uploads, including mass adjustments, retroactive pay, incentive payouts, FLSA calculations, and complex bargaining or unique compensation scenarios. Lead payroll balancing, reconciliation, and final validation activities prior to payroll submission and funding. Data Audits, Analysis & Controls Design, perform, and maintain complex payroll data audits, including pre? and post?payroll validations, reconciliations, and exception analysis to ensure data integrity and minimize downstream risk. Apply strong analytical judgment to identify root causes of payroll discrepancies, overpayments, taxation issues, and data anomalies. Execute payroll processes in alignment with SOX?level internal controls, including documentation, evidence retention, and audit readiness support. Participate in and support internal and external payroll audits, providing detailed analysis, reconciliations, and explanations. Metrics, Reporting & Status Management Build, analyze, and maintain payroll reports, metrics, and KPIs to measure payroll accuracy, volume, timeliness, error trends, and operational performance. Provide clear status reporting on payroll readiness, risks, issues, and outcomes to payroll leadership and key stakeholders. Use data insights to recommend improvements to payroll processes, controls, and execution efficiency. Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Partnership Serve as a senior escalation point for complex payroll and timekeeping issues, providing technical expertise and independent resolution. Research and communicate payroll impacts related to ERISA, ACA, IRS, DOL, FLSA compensation, and fringe benefit programs. Partner directly with HR, Finance, Tax, Benefits, IT, and external vendors to troubleshoot issues and ensure aligned, timely resolution. Act as a designated single point of contact (SPOC) for assigned payroll functions or initiatives.