Analyst U.S. Payroll

Empower India

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

The Payroll Analyst, working autonomously under general direction, is responsible for performing a variety of complex and specialized payroll processing items that will ensure flawless execution of US Payroll for over 9,000 employees through Workday, utilizing a broad and deep knowledge of all payroll processing requirements.

Essential Functions

Provides US Domestic payroll support across a large population of employee groups and locations which includes processing of payroll for various legal entities that include salaried and hourly associates.
Understanding of multi state payroll taxes and employment compliance
Maintains an ongoing effort to determine and maintain current knowledge with payroll trends, legislated requirements and programs.
Manages the process for all weekly, quarterly and annual SOX and developmental audits
Interprets pay policies (e.g. vacation, disability, workers compensation, withholding exemptions) and ensures appropriate amounts/deductions are calculated and applied correctly.
Analyzes and interprets data and independently researches issues to identify policy or compliance exceptions.
Processes payroll transactions associated with payment for various bonuses, equity payments or benefits related data requirements.
Processes legal transactions related to payroll deductions such as court ordered payments or garnishments.
Applies a seasoned knowledge of program and regulatory guidelines
Responsible for independently calculating payroll funding amounts, preparing the funding of transfers, tax deposits or for the preparation of related payroll reports.
Following policies and procedures, this position may be responsible for the reconciliation of general ledger transactions and suspense accounts.
Researches payroll issues and recommends resolution strategies that reflect historical precedent, contractual obligations, company philosophy, regulatory requirements, policy and other considerations.
Serves as liaison to team members and with third-party providers to ensure payroll processing reflects company-specific pay policies. Ability to apply payroll principles and procedures related to state and federal labor laws to appropriately calculate pay.
Versed in all aspects of multi-state pay practices and multi-state labor laws applying knowledge of wage taxation to effectively compute appropriate tax withholding for regular and supplemental pay calculations.
Monitors system updates for changes in work and residency locations to ensure correct jurisdiction and municipalities are appropriately set up.
Ability to apply knowledge in identifying and reconciling all withholding tax issues for the correct allocation of taxable wages by appropriate jurisdictions.
Independently processes accurate pay processing for biweekly and Monthly payrolls according to processing schedules ensuring SOX compliance.
Applies knowledge of pay reconciliation practices ensuring SOX compliance prior to file transmission.
Analyzes and processes confidential payroll information in the production of payroll checks while maintaining confidentiality and judgement in safeguarding the procurement of information for audits.
Applies knowledge of wage garnishment processing and laws associated with the different types of wage withholding orders received including research and resolution.
Researches and resolves payroll inquiries and discrepancies timely.
Processes on-demand payments as needed.
Reconciles year-end W2s and produces W2Cs when required.

Qualifications

Degree in Accounting or other business related field preferred or equivalent experience
5-7 years processing US multi-state payroll in a complex business environment
5+ years progressive cloud based payroll experience - Workday experience preferred.
FPC or CPP certification preferred
Basic knowledge of state and federal tax withholding rules and how the wages and taxes feed to the quarterly payroll tax returns
Strong computer skills with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel to create and update payroll reports
Experience using the Workday Payroll module preferred
Prior ADP experience tax helpful
Analytical thinker with strong ownership of work
Team player with strong verbal and written communication skills to answer employee inquiries at all levels
Able to prioritize in a fast moving, high pressure, constantly changing environment; high sense of urgency and attention to detail and maintaining confidentiality
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.