Payroll Analyst

About the role

Lesley University is seeking a Payroll Analyst to join the Human Resources department. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, this role supports the timely and accurate processing of on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, audits, reconciliations, variance analysis, and payroll reporting. The Payroll Analyst will leverage Workday payroll expertise, including configuration, reporting, calculated fields, and time tracking, to maintain and optimize payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot payroll and system issues
• Support system upgrades and enhancements
• Conduct audits
• Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll regulations
• Implement process improvements
• Develop reports and analytics in collaboration with Finance, IT, and Financial Aid
• Support general ledger reconciliations and payroll tax compliance
• Monitor Federal Work Study earnings and award balances
• Help maintain strong internal controls
• Document standard operating procedures
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries
• Support other payroll-related initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent work experience
• Two to five+ years of direct payroll experience (required)
• Experience within a higher education setting (preferred)
• Demonstrated success utilizing Workday as a payroll system (required)
• Knowledge of payroll and accounting principles, payroll methods, Department of Labor regulations, and federal and state tax regulations
• Demonstrated experience working autonomously and managing deadlines effectively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the university and external partners
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy and precision

Pay

Base Pay Range: $72,618 - $82,521 annually