Senior Payroll Analyst
About the Role
Search Solution Group is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst on behalf of our client in the entertainment industry. This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll while supporting payroll compliance, reporting, system improvements, and cross-functional collaboration.
The Senior Payroll Analyst will oversee payroll operations, analyze payroll data, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and partner with Human Resources, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to improve payroll processes. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing complex payroll environments while maintaining exceptional levels of accuracy and confidentiality.
Responsibilities
- Process and review multi-state payroll accurately and on schedule.
- Analyze payroll data and reconcile payroll reports to ensure accuracy.
- Maintain payroll records and employee earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefits.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
- Prepare payroll journal entries and support month-end and year-end close activities.
- Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries.
- Support payroll audits and ensure compliance with internal controls.
- Collaborate with Human Resources and Finance on payroll-related initiatives.
- Assist with payroll tax reporting, W-2 processing, and year-end activities.
- Maintain and improve payroll procedures and documentation.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and system enhancements.
- Generate payroll reports and provide analysis for leadership.
- Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, or integrations as needed.
- Perform additional payroll and accounting projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and payroll experience may be considered.
Experience
- 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
- Experience processing multi-state payroll.
- Experience with payroll reporting, reconciliations, and payroll compliance.
- Required experience processing payroll using ADP Global Payroll (GlobalView or ADP Global Payroll platform).
- Experience supporting payroll audits and year-end payroll activities.
- Experience working with payroll software and Human Capital Management (HCM) systems.
- Experience in a fast-paced or high-growth organization preferred.
- Entertainment, media, or multi-location industry experience is a plus.
Skills
- Payroll processing
- Payroll tax compliance
- Payroll reporting and analysis
- General ledger reconciliation
- Payroll systems and HCM platforms
- Microsoft Excel (advanced preferred)
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Organizational and time management
- Attention to detail
- Written and verbal communication
- Process improvement
- Cross-functional collaboration
Certifications
- Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
- Additional accounting or finance certifications are a plus.
Knowledge
- Federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
- Payroll tax laws and reporting requirements.
- Wage and hour compliance.
- Payroll accounting principles.
- Payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
- Internal controls and audit procedures.
- General accounting and financial reporting practices.
Key Competencies
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Integrity and Confidentiality
- Accountability
- Organization
- Communication Skills
- Collaboration
- Time Management
- Customer Service Orientation
- Adaptability
- Continuous Improvement
- Critical Thinking
- Results Orientation
Company Overview
Industry: Entertainment
Location: Austin, TX