Senior Payroll Analyst

About the role

The owns the complete accuracy and integrity of payroll processing for all domestic and international employee groups. This role ensures strict compliance with payroll laws, tax regulations, and internal controls across hourly, salaried, piece rate, and temporary workforce segments. The Senior Payroll Analyst serves as the definitive expert and primary point of contact for all payroll operations, data validation, and regulatory compliance. This position partners directly with HR, Finance, Accounting, HRIS providers, and external vendors to resolve discrepancies and drive continuous improvement in payroll systems and workflows. The owner will manage, compile, and process complex payroll data while supporting temporary workforce administration, billing, and precise reporting functions. Success in this role requires a proactive partner who champions process enhancements and ensures the seamless execution of payroll lifecycle activities. The Senior Payroll Analyst is instrumental in maintaining audit readiness and providing clear guidance to resolve employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and timeliness.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the comprehensive processing of payroll for all employee groups, validating accuracy, ensuring timely execution, and maintaining strict regulatory compliance.
• Compile, validate, and process diverse payroll data including hourly, salaried, piece rate, temporary, bonus, commission, and off-cycle payment calculations.
• Review and reconcile detailed timekeeping data, investigating and resolving all discrepancies prior to final payroll submission to ensure integrity.
• Maintain, audit, and reconcile complete payroll records related to wages, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and employee benefits with meticulous accuracy.
• Administer specialized payroll processes for temporary employees, managing system uploads, agency reporting requirements, and billing support activities.
• Manage payroll-related compliance activities including garnishments, tax filings, statutory reporting, and the maintenance of secure record retention systems.
• Prepare detailed payroll documentation and comprehensive reports to support internal controls, external audits, and thorough financial reviews.
• Partner with Accounting teams to provide accurate payroll data, general ledger coding, reconciliations, and critical year-end reporting including W-2 processing.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, delivering timely resolution, clear communication, and expert guidance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Accounting, HRIS partners, and external vendors to ensure data accuracy, process alignment, and system integrity.
• Analyze existing payroll workflows and controls to identify improvements and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Utilize advanced problem-solving skills to investigate complex payroll issues, determine root causes, and execute effective resolutions.
• Support global payroll initiatives and requirements, ensuring consistency and compliance across international employee locations.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving payroll regulations and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience through a combination of education and extensive work history.
• Bring a minimum of 5+ years of progressive payroll processing experience in a complex, multi-entity environment.
• Show a strong working knowledge of federal, state, and international payroll laws, tax regulations, garnishment procedures, and comprehensive compliance requirements.
• Have direct experience with payroll audits, complex reconciliations, and the preparation of payroll-related reporting and analysis.
• Demonstrate proven proficiency with enterprise payroll systems and HRIS platforms, including the ability to learn new configurations quickly.
• Exhibit exceptional attention to detail with a high standard of data accuracy, consistency, and quality in all deliverables.
• Possess the ability to handle confidential information, sensitive employee data, and payroll issues with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
• Display strong organizational abilities, advanced problem-solving capabilities, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment, showing respect for teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect among colleagues.
• Maintain strong integrity and a commitment to compliance, ensuring all payroll activities adhere to company policies and regulatory standards.
• Be capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and composure.
• Willingness to participate in cross-departmental projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned to enhance organizational payroll maturity.

Nice to have

• Piece rate payroll processing experience in a manufacturing environment.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Fort Worth, Texas. The role requires adherence to established working hours and may involve participation in global meetings across different time zones. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of any required background checks and verification of credentials.