Payroll Analyst

Palomar is a rapidly growing and innovative insurer focused on providing specialty insurance to residential and commercial customers. Palomar welcomes the best and brightest to our thriving team. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Palomar is building a dynamic and diverse team.

Join a company built on a culture of agility, innovation and authenticity that delivers peace of mind and protection to individuals and businesses impacted by adversity.

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state and multi-entity payroll while supporting the administration of employee equity programs. The Payroll Analyst reports into the Sr. Manager, People & Talent. This role ensures compliance with payroll tax regulations, oversees payroll-related benefits processing (including 401(k)), and supports financial reporting through reconciliations and journal entries.

• Process bi‑weekly payroll for all employees (multi‑entity and multi‑state), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Process and validate equity‑related payroll transactions (e.g., vesting events, exercises)
• Validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and deductions
• Ensure accurate calculation, withholding, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
• Maintain compliance with multi‑state payroll tax regulations and wage and hour laws
• Process garnishments, tax levies, and required deductions in compliance with applicable regulations
• Manage tax setup and maintenance in payroll systems, including jurisdiction codes and employee profiles
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll questions, tax notices, inquiries, and audits
• Prepare and post payroll‑related journal entries, including wages, taxes, benefits, and equity transactions
• Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger accounts on a regular basis (e.g., wages, tax liabilities, benefit deductions)
• Support audits by providing payroll reconciliations, journal entry support, and documentation

• Process and validate employee 401(k) contributions (pre‑tax, Roth, catch‑up) through payroll
• Reconcile payroll deductions to vendor reports and general ledger accounts
• Administer 401(k) loan repayments through payroll, including setup, adjustments, and tracking
• Monitor IRS contribution limits and ensure compliance within payroll
• Support 401(k) audits and Form 5500 processes by providing payroll data and reports
• Partner with benefits and vendors to resolve discrepancies and participant issues

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll processing
• Experience with payroll accounting, equity compensation, and 401(k) administration preferred

• Proficiency in payroll systems, preferably Rippling
• Strong Excel skills (reconciliations, data validation, reporting)
• Familiarity with equity platforms and 401(k) systems (e.g., Ascensus) preferred

• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
  
  Knowledge of payroll tax, accounting, equity taxation, and retirement plan fundamentals
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Strong cross‑functional communication skills

• Build strong relationships through transparency, trust, and respect for each other.
• Work in an agile environment, with a resilient mindset to find creative solutions to challenges.
• Collaborate and celebrate diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity and equality.
• Do the right thing with strong conviction and integrity.
• Be bold and innovative to help make an impact.
• Demonstrable track record of working autonomously and driving progress
• Be intellectually curious, think creatively, and pragmatic

• Full Suite of Medical Benefits
• 401k with 3.5% Automatic Fully Vested Employer Contributions
• Competitive PTO + Holiday Program
• Professional Development Assistance
• Regular company-wide social events (even virtually!)

Palomar will consider reasonable accommodations to ensure a qualified applicant with a disability can be considered…