The Payroll Administrator and Analyst serves as a strategic partner to finance and HR, managing complex payroll operations, providing expert-level payroll analysis, compliance oversight, and process optimization that directly influences organizational decision-making. The role exercises a high level of discretion and independent judgement in managing sensitive employee compensation matters, interpreting payroll policy, and implementing process enhancements that support organizational goals. 

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
• High school degree or equivalent required 
• Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll experience for a large company (500+ employees) preferred
• Minimum 2 years of experience processing high volume payroll in ADP (Workforce Now Version 2.0) required
• Experience processing multi-state, high volume payroll preferred
• Experience processing multi-state payroll required
• Experience with accounting software and journal entry posting 
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis in Word and Excel (graphs, vlookup, pivot tables)
• Strong understanding of payroll laws and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex payroll functions with minimal supervision
• Experience in policy development or implementation related to payroll or compensation
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll laws, ADP systems, and financial reporting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills                                                                    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process full-cycle, multi-state, bi-weekly payroll for all employees 
• Compile routine financial, tax, and payroll reports for both internal and external purposes
• Manage year-end processes including W-2s, tax filings, and audits related to payroll and benefits
• Address inquiries from managers, employees, and external parties with professionalism while evaluating and resolving technical payroll issues
• Independently interpret and apply complex payroll regulations and internal policies
• Develop and implement improvements to payroll systems and procedures
• Design and deliver payroll-related financial reports to support business forecasting, budgeting, and compliance audits
• Design and perform regular audits of payroll procedures and records to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Analyze deviations between actual results and forecasts/budgets; explain reasons for variances
• Analyze current and past payroll data to identify trends and recommend improvements
• Serve as a subject matter expert in payroll compliance, advising on risk mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with Human Resources on compensation matters and advises management on payroll compliance
• Coordinate and interact with federal and state agencies on issues pertaining to employee compensation
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of payroll are essential for this role