Payroll Analyst

Project duration: 4 months. Must work on-site in Acton, MA ~3 days/week.

About the role

The Payroll Analyst will be a key individual contributor responsible for the end-to-end processing of the US biweekly payroll for over 3,000 employees using Workday. This role requires a high level of expertise, autonomy, and attention to detail. The successful candidate will also serve as a crucial backup for payroll processing in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, supporting our global business continuity strategy. This role will report to the Global Payroll Director.

Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely biweekly multi-state US payroll for 3,000+ employees in Workday from start to finish.
• Perform thorough audits of payroll data, including hours, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and tax withholdings, to ensure accuracy before final transmission.
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports post-processing.
• Research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries with a high degree of customer service.
• Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and tax obligations.
• Maintain a deep understanding of payroll taxation, including garnishments, liens, and other mandatory deductions.
• Prepare and process off-cycle payrolls as needed for corrections, terminations, or bonuses.
• Serve as the primary backup for payroll processing in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, ensuring seamless continuity.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure data integrity across systems (e.g., new hires, terminations, salary changes).
• Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 and other tax form reconciliation and distribution.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency within the payroll function.
• Maintain up-to-date procedural documentation for all payroll processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on, multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Proven, extensive experience with Workday Payroll is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in payroll taxation and compliance.
• Experience processing or supporting payroll for Canada, Mexico, and/or Costa Rica.
• Proven ability to work independently as an individual contributor with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation.
• Experience in a global organization.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).

Benefits

• Supplemental medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• 401K program with company match after 12 months of tenure.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan.
• SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions.
• Corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
• On-demand training program and access to certification prep, technical and leadership courses/books/seminars after 6+ months of tenure.
• Certification discounts and perks for associations including CompTIA and IIBA.
• Dedicated customer service team and a certified Career Coach.