Job Description
Position Summary
The Payroll Analyst supports the Payroll Manager by administering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This role is responsible for validating payroll data, ensuring adherence to company policies and federal/state regulations, and resolving payroll discrepancies. The Payroll Analyst partners closely with department leaders, timekeepers, and Human Resources to ensure payroll accuracy, system integrity, and a positive employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and validate payroll submissions including timecards, prior-period adjustments, special earnings, and off-cycle payment requests to ensure proper documentation and authorization.
- Prepare payroll data for processing and audit payroll inputs prior to submission.
- Generate, analyze, and update payroll audit reports to identify discrepancies such as overpayments, invalid tax entries, wage imbalances, and excessive overtime.
- Confirm the accuracy of transactions entered directly or received through system interfaces and correct or resubmit rejected records.
- Serve as a subject matter resource for the Kronos Workforce Management / Time and Attendance system by supporting users, answering questions, and assisting with reporting and calculations.
- Troubleshoot system issues, escalate complex technical problems to the Payroll Systems team, and participate in system testing and user training when needed.
- Maintain accurate payroll documentation, records, and files in accordance with retention and compliance standards.
- Research payroll inquiries and partner with department managers and HR to resolve pay-related issues and interpret pay policies, union agreements (e.g., UNAP, IBT), and site-specific practices.
- Process manual and supplemental payroll checks, including off-cycle payments, stop payments, reversals, reissues, and prior-year W-2 corrections.
- Provide support for employee self-service payroll and timekeeping portals.
- Handle confidential employee and payroll information with discretion and professionalism.
- Participate in payroll-related projects and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and professional service aligned with service level standards.
- Stay current on payroll legislation, tax regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; update internal procedures and documentation as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Skills
- High school diploma required; coursework in accounting or information systems is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with employees, managers, and external partners.
- Solid analytical and mathematical abilities to validate payroll calculations.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information responsibly.
- Comfortable working across multiple systems in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
- Customer-focused mindset with a positive and professional approach.
Experience
- Minimum of two years of experience in payroll or accounting, including use of an automated payroll system.
- An associate or bachelor’s degree may be considered in place of some experience.
- American Payroll Association Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is preferred.
Job Tags
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