Payroll Analyst

Job Title: Payroll AnalystJob Description The Payroll Analyst manages payroll accounting projects, financial analysis, systems support, compliance activities, and process improvement initiatives that support the Payroll Accounting function. This role partners closely with Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, Information Technology, Legal, and external service providers to ensure payroll-related processes, systems, and controls are accurate, compliant, efficient, and aligned with business objectives. The position leads payroll accounting and payroll-related projects from planning through implementation, including requirements gathering, analysis, testing, documentation, monitoring, and post-deployment review, with a focus on recurring accounting support, reporting and analytics, internal controls, system enhancements, acquisitions and integrations, automation, and cross-functional project leadership. Responsibilities Lead payroll accounting and payroll-related projects from initial planning through successful implementation, including requirements gathering, analysis, testing, documentation, monitoring, and post-deployment review.Manage recurring payroll accounting activities, including month-end close processes, reconciliations, and preparation and posting of journal entries.Perform detailed root cause analysis on payroll-related items such as payroll, benefits, and 401(k) to identify issues, resolve discrepancies, and prevent recurrence.Develop, produce, and maintain accurate and timely payroll reporting to support Finance, HR, Benefits, and other stakeholders.Conduct payroll testing and validation activities for system changes, enhancements, integrations, and process updates to ensure accuracy and compliance.Support and enhance payroll systems by collaborating with Information Technology and external service providers to implement system improvements and integrations.Strengthen and maintain internal controls over payroll accounting processes to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.Drive process improvement and automation initiatives within payroll accounting to increase efficiency, reduce manual work, and improve data integrity.Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, IT, Legal, and external vendors to align payroll-related processes and controls with business objectives.Prepare and analyze payroll-related reports and analytics to provide insights, support decision-making, and assist with audits and reviews.Document payroll accounting processes, workflows, and controls to support consistency, training, and continuous improvement.Support acquisitions and integrations by assessing payroll accounting impacts, coordinating system and process changes, and validating results. Essential Skills 5+ years of experience supporting the month-end close within payroll, including reconciliations and journal entries.5+ years of experience performing root cause analysis within payroll-related items such as payroll, benefits, and 401(k).5+ years of payroll reporting experience, including preparing and analyzing detailed payroll reports.5+ years of payroll testing and validating experience for system changes, enhancements, and process updates.Strong payroll accounting expertise, including month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries.Ability to perform thorough root cause analysis within benefits, payroll, and 401(k) processes.Proficiency in payroll reporting, including designing, generating, and interpreting reports.Experience conducting payroll testing and validation to ensure accuracy and compliance.Proficiency in creating pivot tables and using VLOOKUP functions in Excel.Proficient with ADP, Workday, Ceridian, and UKG payroll systems.Demonstrated ability to support process improvement and automation within payroll accounting.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to payroll accounting and related functions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.Experience with ADP payroll systems is preferred.Experience creating and using macros in Excel is a plus.Background in benefits and 401(k) administration related to payroll accounting.Experience driving process improvement and automation initiatives.Ability to work cross-functionally with Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, IT, Legal, and external service providers.Strong documentation skills for processes, controls, and project deliverables.Comfort working with multiple payroll platforms, including ADP, Workday, Ceridian, and UKG. Work Environment This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with four days onsite and one day remote each week, and you may choose which day you work remotely. You will work closely with a long-tenured team in a collaborative environment that values stability, institutional knowledge, and strong partnerships across Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, IT, and Legal. The position involves regular use of payroll platforms such as ADP, Workday, Ceridian, and UKG, along with advanced Excel tools including pivot tables, VLOOKUP functions, and potentially macros. The culture emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and support for process and system enhancements within the payroll accounting function. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $115000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. benefits, benefits, benefits, benefits, benefits, benefits, benefits, Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Reading,PA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.