Payroll Systems Analyst

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

About the Role

We are seeking a Payroll Systems Analyst to strengthen and scale the systems, reporting, and processes that enable accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations. This role sits at the intersection of Payroll, process design and operations, digital enablement, and enterprise payroll technologies, with a focus on turning business needs into practical system improvements. As an individual contributor supporting Payroll and Enterprise Systems, you will serve as the functional liaison across Workday Payroll, ADP SmartCompliance, ADP Workforce Now, Deel, and other payroll-related technologies. You will connect Payroll with HR, Finance, Tax, IT, HRIS/Systems, and external vendors, helping shape how platforms, data, integrations, and tools work together to support a scalable, data-driven operating model.

Why This Role Matters

• Connect Payroll, Process, and Platforms: You will translate payroll needs into clear requirements and practical enhancements across Workday Payroll, ADP SmartCompliance, ADP Workforce Now, Deel, and related applications.
• Protect Data Quality and Compliance: You will strengthen reporting, validation, documentation, and testing practices that support accurate payroll data and responsive regulatory and tax operations.
• Create Capacity Through Better Systems: You will identify opportunities to simplify manual work, improve reporting, and increase operational efficiency as Payroll resources are focused on the highest-value work.
• Enable Confident Change: You will coordinate releases, user acceptance testing, business readiness, and stakeholder communications so system changes are adopted smoothly and deliver intended outcomes.
• Build a Scalable Payroll Foundation: You will help establish consistent processes, accessible documentation, and reliable data flows that support Rivian’s growth across domestic and international payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Systems Support
  • Serve as a functional subject matter expert for Workday Payroll, ADP SmartCompliance, ADP Workforce Now, Deel, and related applications.
  • Gather and prioritize requirements, resolve issues, and recommend enhancements with Payroll and Enterprise Systems.
  • Maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, user guides, and training materials.
• Enhancements & Cross-Functional Delivery
  • Support implementations, upgrades, integrations, releases, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
  • Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, Tax, IT, HRIS/Systems, and vendors through design, validation, and post-release support.
  • Assess system changes for business impact, data integrity, compliance, and operational readiness.
• Reporting, Analytics & Compliance
  • Develop recurring and ad hoc operational, tax, compliance, workforce, and executive reporting.
  • Analyze data across Workday, Deel, ADP, and other platforms to identify discrepancies, trends, and improvement opportunities.
  • Support tax reporting, agency notices, wage attachments, unemployment claims, year-end processing, audits, and international payroll reporting.
• Testing & Continuous Improvement
  • Coordinate Payroll participation in system releases and regulatory updates.
  • Create and execute UAT and business-validation plans; document results and track defects through resolution.
  • Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, strengthen controls, and improve system utilization.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Three or more years supporting payroll systems, HR technology, enterprise applications, or related business systems.
• Experience supporting Workday Payroll or Workday HCM.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, payroll data, controls, and compliance.
• Experience creating reports and analytics in Workday or other HRIS and payroll applications.
• Ability to translate business requirements into functional system needs.
• Experience partnering with HRIS, Enterprise Systems, IT, or digital teams on enhancements and issue resolution.
• Experience coordinating UAT, business validation, defect tracking, and readiness activities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, troubleshooting, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Clear communication skills and a commitment to data accuracy, confidentiality, and inclusive collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ADP SmartCompliance, ADP Workforce Now, Deel, or similar payroll and compliance applications.
• Experience in a high-growth technology, EV, manufacturing, or similarly complex environment.
• Experience with payroll integrations, global payroll reporting, reconciliation, or dashboard tools.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, process mapping, or workflow automation.

Pay

The salary range for this role is USD 63,300-79,100 for applicants in Illinois, Michigan, and Atlanta. This is the lowest-to-highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including but not limited to specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual performance bonus and equity awards.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to:

• Paid vacation and paid sick leave.
• A competitive portfolio of insurance benefits, including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees.
• Opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective on the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.