Associate Analyst - Payroll Operations (Hybrid)

About the Job

Join our Finance team and help power the operations that keep the business running successfully. The Associate Analyst - Payroll Operations supports critical payroll activities by ensuring payroll data is processed accurately, employee benefit payments are documented correctly, and payroll reporting requirements are completed on time. This role partners across teams to identify process improvements, support operational efficiency, and maintain high standards of accuracy, compliance, and service for employees and stakeholders.

Core Accountabilities/Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, document, and support the disbursement of payroll payments, payroll taxes, and employee benefit payments while maintaining accurate records.
• Monitor payroll activities and employee benefit transactions to ensure proper documentation, compliance, and financial accuracy.
• Evaluate existing payroll processes and systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and support implementation of operational efficiencies.
• Assist with payroll data cleanup, validation, and maintenance activities to ensure data consistency, completeness, and integrity.
• Perform analysis of payroll processes, identify trends or issues, and proactively recommend solutions to improve operational performance.
• Prepare payroll expenditure reports and summaries related to compensation, tax payments, benefits, and related payroll activities.
• Support reconciliations, reporting activities, and information requests by analyzing payroll data and validating results.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve payroll-related issues and support ongoing process improvements.

Please note: This role is based in Houston with an in-office requirement of 2-3 days per week.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Proficiency with Workday and Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, including data analysis functions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• 2-3 years of payroll experience
• Experience with data quality management and process standardization
• Exposure to process automation and data visualization tools
• Experience supporting vendor management activities
• Familiarity with payroll systems, payroll reporting, and regulatory compliance processes

• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving.

• Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to company policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.