SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST

Job Summary

This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll tax processes, compliance, and system functionality within payroll and HRIS platforms. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate calculation, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes across a large, multi-state environment while supporting system configurations, tax updates, data validation, and process improvements. The position partners closely with Payroll, HRIS, IT, and external vendors to optimize payroll tax operations, maintain regulatory compliance, and enhance system performance. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills and technology acumen to drive operational efficiency, strengthen controls, and support strategic business initiatives. 

*Please note, this is a hybrid position in Charlotte. The typical days in office are Tues-Thursday but can vary dependent on business need.

Job Responsibilities

Systems Administration & Configuration

• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll tax functionality within payroll and HRIS platforms.
• Collaborate with HRIS, Payroll Operations, IT, and vendors to implement payroll tax updates, enhancements, and system configurations.
• Validate tax table updates, wage base changes, jurisdictional assignments, and system calculations.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process automation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain documentation of payroll tax system configurations, controls, and procedures.

Payroll Tax Compliance

• Ensure accurate calculation, withholding, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
• Monitor compliance with changing tax laws and regulatory requirements.
• Support year-end tax activities and regulatory reporting requirements.

Data Validation & Quality Control

• Perform detailed audits and validation of payroll data to ensure tax accuracy and compliance.
• Analyze payroll transactions, employee tax setups, earnings codes, and tax calculations to identify discrepancies.
• Reconcile payroll tax balances between payroll systems, tax service providers, and general ledger accounts.
• Establish and maintain controls to identify errors, anomalies, and compliance risks.

Reporting & Analytics

• Generate and analyze payroll tax reports, compliance metrics, and exception reporting.
• Utilize data analytics tools to identify trends, process improvement opportunities, and potential tax exposure.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reporting requirements.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll tax processes through automation and system optimization.
• Recommend and implement best practices for payroll tax compliance and data management.
• Assist with risk assessments and development of preventive and detective controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5+ years of payroll tax, payroll operations, or related compliance experience.
• Experience supporting large, multi-state payroll environments.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Experience with payroll systems such as MasterTax, SAP, ADP, or similar platforms.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience performing data reconciliations, audits, and validation activities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Knowledge of HRIS integrations and payroll tax vendor solutions.
• Experience with reporting and visualization tools.
• Understanding of SOX controls and audit requirements.
• Experience leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar generative AI platforms to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve decision-making.