Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

The Payroll Analyst plays a critical role in preparing, analyzing, and ensuring the accurate distribution of payroll for an assigned division. This position relies heavily on strong Excel skills, data analysis, and payroll experience. Using the Lawson Financial Reporting system, the Payroll Analyst supports multistate union and nonunion payrolls while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and data integrity across all payroll processes.

• Processes and analyzes weekly and biweekly payroll for assigned divisions, including union, hourly, and salaried staff.
• Enters and validates payroll data, including timesheets, work orders, adjustments, and corrections.
• Uses advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, advanced formulas, data auditing) to analyze, validate, and reconcile payroll data.
• Prepares final pay for terminated employees, ensuring federal and state compliance.
• Ensures accuracy and compliance by verifying pay rates, deductions, and employee classifications against company policies, union contracts, and SOX controls.
• Audits timesheet data to identify inconsistencies and resolve exceptions before payroll processing.
• Responds promptly to payroll questions, providing clear guidance and resolving discrepancies.
• Updates payroll procedures and maintains accurate documentation of payroll processes.
• Performs general ledger reconciliation, identifies discrepancies, and prepares supporting documentation for Accounting and Finance.
• Assists with payroll tax activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual filings processed through the payroll vendor.
• Processes voluntary employee deductions such as 401(k), ESPP, and United Way.
• Generates standard and ad hoc payroll reports to support Finance, HR, and Operations in labor cost analysis.
• Supports system enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives.
• Partners closely with Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT to resolve issues and manage special requests.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Assists with special projects, such as W2 reconciliation, internal/external audits, and year‑end processing.
• Ensures payroll documents, records, and reports meet audit and compliance standards.

• Associate’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multistate environment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis).
• Experience with general ledger reconciliation and payroll reporting.
• Familiarity with payroll systems (Lawson preferred) and timekeeping tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and customer service orientation.

• Familiarity with payroll processing systems such as Lawson, ADP, People Soft, SAP, etc.
• Expert knowledge of payroll, payroll deductions, and payroll taxes.
• Excellent Excel or spreadsheet software skills with extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, HRIS, and other vendor interface protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely, and professionally) with internal customers.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet weekly payroll deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• A team player able to work effectively in a team‑fostered multi‑tasking environment.

• Perform desk‑bound work – exerting up to 20 pounds of force…