Senior Payroll Analyst

Overview

Finance strategically partners with operations to drive outstanding business results and enhance Ford’s industry leadership. Join the Employee Payments Team as a Payroll Specialist responsible for ensuring accurate and timely employee compensation by managing payroll functions, calculating paychecks, withholding taxes, and maintaining payroll records. This role is key to the Payroll Team and requires collaboration with HR, external service providers, and finance teams.

The position focuses on end‑to‑end payroll processes for U.S. employees, compliance with local regulations, data accuracy, and timely payments. It also supports key initiatives and projects related to tax compliance and the launch of the new payroll system (Oracle Cloud). The role is on‑site at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, MI, a minimum of four days per week.

• Process payroll in adherence with federal, state, and regional pay guidelines (including UAW CBA), ensuring employees are paid timely and correctly.
• Utilize detailed Payroll Runbooks to audit payroll runs, including key pre‑validations of data.
• Execute payroll runs and related processes using the Oracle Cloud Payroll System.
• Review post‑pay variance analysis for earnings, tax deductions (FICA, Federal, State of Employment, State of Residency, Hypo Taxes, etc.) and other pay elements, and prepare variance explanations as needed.
• Prepare Ops Review Metrics data and slides for the quarterly Operation Review and Metrics meeting, concerning balance adjustments and W‑2/W‑2C statistics.
• Prepare balance adjustments for the current tax year and correct W‑2s for prior tax years in the payroll system, including:
  • Unearned wages repaid, collaborating with the Earnings, Cash Application, and Receivables teams.
  • State employment/residency, FICA exempt/non‑exempt, and Federal tax corrections & refunds, working with local HR reps, People First HR team, and payroll help desks.
• Assist with the year‑end W‑2 process:
  • Work closely with HR and external partners to ensure all required information is included in employees’ payroll records and W‑2s.
  • Maintain and update the W‑2 year‑end task timetable (checklist) to ensure timely completion.
  • Conduct audit reviews and testing to ensure accuracy of payroll records and W‑2s.
• Maintain accuracy of paid‑time‑off plan configuration and balances for statutory and UAW‑CBA defined plans.
• Assist with supplemental unemployment payments for five states per UAW CBA guidelines.
• Assist with the pay‑related implementation of a new hourly timekeeping system.
• Work in a fast‑paced environment where attention to detail and confidentiality are essential.
• Research and resolve discrepancies, including internal and external audit requests, in a timely manner.
• Assist business partners (HR, Employee Benefits, etc.) in implementing new or updated FLSA, FMLA, and payroll compliance programs.
• Troubleshoot system issues and test configuration changes.
• Participate in continuous company improvement initiatives by identifying and correcting inefficiencies.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of processing and/or calculating payroll in a multi‑state environment.
• Experience with payroll software and systems, including Oracle Cloud or similar.
• Payroll tax experience (international tax experience is desirable).
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of payroll legislation, regulatory updates and best practices for FLSA, FMLA, and other common payroll compliance topics.
• Understanding of accounting principles (debits, credits, general ledger, month‑end and quarter‑end close).

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Quick learner, self‑motivated, able to multitask and handle changing priorities.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, strong analytical abilities.

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new‑parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized backup child care and more.
• Family‑building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense…