Payroll Analyst

Job TItle: Payroll Analyst Location: Acton, MA Duration: 4 Months Work Type: Hybrid JOB DESCRIPTION Must work on-site in Acton, MA ~3days/week The Payroll Analyst will be a key individual contributor responsible for the end-to-end processing of the US biweekly payroll for over 3,000 employees using Workday. This role requires a high level of expertise, autonomy, and attention to detail. The successful candidate will also serve as a crucial backup for payroll processing in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, supporting our global business continuity strategy. This role will report to the Global Payroll Director. Key Responsibilities: * Process accurate and timely biweekly multi-state US payroll for 3,000 employees in Workday from start to finish. * Perform thorough audits of payroll data, including hours, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and tax withholdings, to ensure accuracy before final transmission. * Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports post-processing. * Research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries with a high degree of customer service. * Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and tax obligations. * Maintain a deep understanding of payroll taxation, including garnishments, liens, and other mandatory deductions. * Prepare and process off-cycle payrolls as needed for corrections, terminations, or bonuses. * Serve as the primary backup for payroll processing in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, ensuring seamless continuity. * Collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure data integrity across systems (e.g., new hires, terminations, salary changes). * Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 and other tax form reconciliation and distribution. * Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency within the payroll function. * Maintain up-to-date procedural documentation for all payroll processes. Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. * Minimum of 5 years of hands-on, multi-state payroll processing experience. * Proven, extensive experience with Workday Payroll is required. * Demonstrated expertise in payroll taxation and compliance. * Experience processing or supporting payroll for Canada, Mexico, and/or Costa Rica. * Proven ability to work independently as an individual contributor with minimal supervision. * Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. Preferred Qualifications: * FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation. * Experience in a global organization. * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).