Payroll Analyst

Job Summary

The Payroll Analyst plays a key role in the GM Performance Power Units Human Resources department, responsible for end-to-end payroll processing. This role supports GMPPU's compensation strategy by driving payroll accuracy and partnering with Human Resources to ensure efficient and compliant payroll operations. The Payroll Analyst role serves as a subject matter expert for payroll administration and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration & Compliance: Administer bi-weekly, monthly, and off cycle payrolls for salaried and hourly employees across GMPPU (US & UK). Ensure compliance with US federal and state payroll regulations, international pay practices, and company policies. Coordinate with Human Resources for payroll deadlines, auditing, retroactive adjustments, and off-cycle payments. Maintain strong relationships with payroll vendors and ensure accurate payroll reporting (e.g., earnings statements, tax filings, and wage garnishments). Resolve payroll discrepancies and answer employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Support payroll system configuration updates in Dayforce HCM (or applicable platform). Adhere to auditing procedures and practices to ensure accuracy for each payroll cycle, including validation of proper state tax allocations and employee notices, as well as overall organizational compliance. Enter and validate payroll and benefit information into related systems and follow all standard operating procedures.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, delivering accurate, compliant, and effective payroll solutions. Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve payroll issues while maintaining compliance and accuracy. Takes a proactive approach to identifying payroll discrepancies by investigating anomalies and validating information before processing. Supports the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of payroll procedures, documentation, and team knowledge repositories.
• Timekeeping Administration: Owns hourly non-exempt timekeeping administration, reviewing time entry exceptions, and escalating unresolved issues as appropriate. Audits employee time records to ensure accurate reporting of hours worked and compliance with payroll policies and regulatory requirements. Validates employee time-off entries and manager approvals to support accurate payroll processing and leave administration. Creates and maintains timekeeping procedures, best practice guides, and training materials for employees, managers, and payroll team members.
• Compensation & Bonus Administration: Partners with Human Resources and leadership to support compensation and incentive programs through bonus modeling, forecasting, validation, and payroll execution. Supports administration and maintenance of compensation processes and compensation modules while ensuring data accuracy and operational effectiveness. Processes bonus payouts and compensation-related payroll transactions in accordance with company policies and payroll regulations.
• Reporting & Analytics: Develops, maintains, and analyzes payroll audit reports supporting benefits administration, compliance requirements, financial reporting, and business operations. Prepares and reconciles reporting for 401(k), FSA, and Dependent Care programs. Supports 401K, Finance, and Workers' Compensation audits through payroll data validation, report preparation, and audit response activities. Produces department, cost center, labor allocation, and general ledger reporting to support budgeting, forecasting, and organizational decision-making. Prepares and distributes required payroll reports and performs necessary reconciliations.
• Payroll Auditing & Compliance Controls: Adheres to auditing procedures and practices to ensure accuracy for each payroll cycle. Validates proper state tax allocations, employee notices, deductions, and organizational compliance requirements. Supports payroll audits and ensures payroll records remain accurate, complete, and audit ready. Reconciles payroll data and investigates discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Special Projects: Supports special payroll projects and operational initiatives while ensuring accurate administration, documentation, and compliance with company policies. Administers and audits of meal deduction programs, maintaining required forms, records, and supporting documentation. Conducts cell phone reimbursement audits and reporting activities, ensuring appropriate payroll taxation and accurate employee records. Partners with Human Resources, Finance, and business leaders on special projects, process improvements, and compliance initiatives.
• Year-End Processing: Supports US and UK year-end payroll activities with maintaining detailed checklists and controls to ensure accurate and compliant processing. Coordinates year-end payroll activities in accordance with regulatory requirements, timelines, and internal controls. Assists with on-demand, monthly, quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting requirements and agency notices. Maintains year-end process documentation, procedures, checklists, and supporting materials to ensure audit readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field.
• 3+ years of payroll experience in a fast-paced environment.
• 3+ years of payroll processing experience in handling multi-state payroll and compliance reporting.
• 3+ years experience supporting US payroll operations and payroll compliance requirements.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Dayforce HCM and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience performing payroll audits, reconciliations, and payroll compliance reviews.
• Experience supporting hourly non-exempt workforce timekeeping administration.
• Proven ability to develop, analyze, reconcile, and present payroll and workforce data to support compliance, financial reporting, and business decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance regulations.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Human Resources, Finance, and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting international payroll operations, including UK payroll administration and compliance requirements.
• Experience in motorsports, automotive, manufacturing, engineering, or other fast-paced technical environments.
• Experience with multi-country or expatriate payroll and benefits administration.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• 401(k) plan including company match
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
• Free financial advisor access
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Subsidized on-site dining
• On-site gym
• Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
• Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles

Why Join Us

You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance. Ready to be part of a team that pushes boundaries both on and off the track? At GM Performance Power Units, we are developing a new era of performance for the Formula 1 grid. Joining us means entering a startup racing environment backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, giving you the rare opportunity to help build a world-class program from day one. We believe in rewarding innovation and powering potential.