Senior Payroll Analyst

Senior Payroll Analyst Location: Newark, DE, 100% onsite Employment Type: permanent with Benefits
About the Role
A local $700MM PE backed company is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst with extensive payroll operations knowledge and strong analytical skills to join their growing team. The Senior Payroll Analyst will play a key role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for a large, multi-state workforce of 3,000 employees. This role requires advanced expertise with ADP Workforce Now, Microsoft Excel including V-Lookups and Pivot tables, and Workday HRIS, along with the proven ability to identify process improvements, streamline workflows, and strengthen internal controls. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This role requires experience with software implementation, operational improvements, and payroll audits. It is a hands-on position that partners closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, and Benefits teams while also providing mentorship and payroll expertise across the department.
Key Responsibilities
Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce that includes exempt, non-exempt, and union employees. Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance checks to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Maintain a deep working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now, SmartCompliance, and Workday HRIS to manage system integrations, troubleshoot issues, and develop reports. Support tax compliance efforts including filings, registrations, agency inquiries, and resolution of notices. Partner with Finance and Accounting to reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts, prepare journal entries, and ensure accurate month-end and year-end close activities. Prepare payroll reports for internal stakeholders and external audits including quarterly and annual filings. Lead process improvement initiatives such as automation, reporting enhancements, and workflow changes to improve efficiency. Collaborate with HR, Total Rewards, and Compensation teams to align payroll with benefits and compliance requirements. Mentor payroll team members by sharing expertise, training on systems, and providing guidance on complex issues.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field or equivalent experience. At least five years of progressive payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment. Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements. Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now, SmartCompliance, and Workday HRIS. Experience with general ledger payroll accounting, reconciliations, and journal entries. Ability to identify and implement process improvements and automation. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner across all organizational levels. CPP certification preferred or in progress.
Why Join Us This is a high-impact role in a fast-growing, dynamic company. You will have the opportunity to shape payroll processes and efficiencies at scale while working in a collaborative team culture with detail oriented growth and mentorship opportunities. The company offers competitive compensation, bonus eligibility, and comprehensive benefits.
Full Cycle Payroll, Multi-state Payroll, ADP Workforce Now, bi-Monthly Payroll, Payroll - Over 500 Employees, Audit, Payroll - Garnishments, Multistate Payroll, Payroll - Manual, Payroll Tax Reporting, Payroll Tax Returns, Payroll Taxes, Pivot Table, VLOOKUP

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