Senior Payroll Analyst

The Senior Payroll Analyst is an experienced individual contributor responsible for executing and supporting complex payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions and pay cycles. This role applies advanced judgment to resolve escalated payroll, tax, and compliance issues; supports audits and year‑end activities; and contributes to payroll system enhancements and process improvements.

The Senior Payroll Analyst partners closely with HR, Finance, and the Lead Payroll Analyst to ensure payroll is accurate, compliant, and well‑controlled, while mentoring less‑experienced analysts and delivering advanced operational analytics.

Minimum Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (required)

Minimum Work Experience Equivalent experience may be considered (required)

5 years of payroll experience, including complex, off‑cycle, or multi‑state processing (required)

Advanced experience supporting payroll operations within Workday, UKG, or equivalent enterprise payroll platforms

Required Certifications Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) – preferred

Required Skills/Knowledge Certified Payroll Professional Preferred - Preferred

Advanced payroll administration and tax compliance knowledge

Ability to interpret and apply payroll laws across multi‑state environments

Strong experience with audits, reconciliations, and risk mitigation activities

Experience supporting payroll system testing, upgrades, and enhancements

Ability to analyze payroll trends and identify control gaps or improvement opportunities

Proficiency in Excel and payroll‑related analytics

Capability to coach and support payroll staff through knowledge sharing

Functional Accountabilities Advanced Payroll Administration Execute and support end‑to‑end processing of regular, bonus, retroactive, equity, and off‑cycle payrolls

Perform detailed reviews of payroll results to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal controls

Configure and validate complex earnings, deductions, and taxation scenarios based on established frameworks

Investigate and resolve escalated payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries, escalating high‑risk issues as appropriate

Tax & Compliance Support Support payroll tax activities including reconciliations, filings, amendments, and issue resolution

Apply federal, state, and local wage‑hour, tax, and reporting requirements across jurisdictions

Monitor regulatory changes and assist with the implementation of compliant payroll practices

Identify potential compliance risks and collaborate with the Lead Payroll Analyst on mitigation actions

Support year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 preparation, reconciliations, and reporting

Systems & Process Enablement Participate in payroll system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and testing initiatives

Document payroll requirements and assist with system configuration and validation

Support payroll process improvements focused on efficiency, accuracy, and data integrity

Assist in evaluating automation or optimization opportunities within payroll operations

Payroll Data & Analysis Prepare payroll analytics and reports to support operational and compliance decision‑making

Analyze payroll trends, variances, and anomalies across pay periods

Maintain payroll KPIs, control metrics, and compliance tracking tools

Summarize findings and provide insights to the Lead Payroll Analyst and stakeholders

Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration Provide day‑to‑day guidance and support to junior payroll analysts

Share best practices, documentation, and procedural knowledge

Partner with HR, Finance, Compensation, Benefits, and Tax teams on payroll‑related initiatives

Support communications with payroll vendors and agencies under the guidance of senior payroll leadership

Primary Location Maryland-Silver Spring

Work Locations Tech Hill

Job Accounting & Finance

Position Status R (Regular)

Shift Day

Work Schedule 8:30am - 5:00pm

Job Posting Jun 12, 2026, 4:05:29 AM

Full-Time Salary Range 67350.4