Payroll Analyst

About the Company

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status—including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Responsibilities

• Processes and analyzes weekly and bi-weekly 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 W-2 reconciliation, internal/external audits, and year-end processing.
• Ensures payroll documents, records, and reports meet audit and compliance standards.

Requirements

• 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 multi-state 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.

Skills

• Familiarity with payroll processing systems such as Lawson, ADP, PeopleSoft, 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; ability to 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 minimal supervision.
• A team player able to work effectively in a team-fostered, multi-tasking environment.

Working Conditions

• Perform deskbound work—exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Desk work involves sitting/standing most of the time.
• See, hear, talk, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Operate standard office equipment.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.