Senior Payroll Accounting & Reporting Analyst
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Accounting & Reporting Analyst to oversee payroll accounting activities, reconciliations, reporting, auditing, and process improvement initiatives within a large and complex organization. This role serves as a key liaison between Payroll, Finance, HR, and other business stakeholders to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll financial data.
The successful candidate will provide analytical support, lead payroll-related audits, supervise team members, and contribute to continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Accounting & Reporting
- Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies.
- Perform root cause analysis and provide recommendations to resolve account variances.
- Prepare and analyze payroll reports on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
- Review payroll postings and ensure accuracy of payroll-related financial transactions.
- Support payroll processing through the preparation and delivery of payroll accounting data.
- Prepare journal entries and supporting documentation as required.
- Conduct aging analyses, trend reporting, and variance analysis.
- Develop and maintain reporting frameworks to support payroll operations and business decisions.
- Analyze payroll-related data and employee leave information to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, payroll legislation, and internal controls.
Audit & Compliance
- Lead and support payroll audit activities.
- Design, test, and implement audit reports and monitoring processes.
- Collaborate with Finance and external stakeholders during annual audits.
- Prepare documentation and provide support for internal and external reviews.
- Assist with payroll overpayment recovery analysis and related reporting.
- Interpret and communicate payroll accounting policies, controls, and statutory requirements.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll reporting, controls, and operational processes.
- Participate in payroll system enhancements, testing, and implementation projects.
- Support integration of new payroll processes and reporting requirements.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, workflows, and reporting procedures.
- Research emerging payroll trends, best practices, and system capabilities.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise and support designated payroll staff.
- Assist with employee onboarding, training, performance management, and workflow coordination.
- Work closely with Payroll, Finance, HR, and operational teams to ensure accurate payroll accounting practices.
- Provide guidance and expertise on payroll accounting, reporting, and compliance matters.
- Support initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and equitable workplace practices.
Qualifications
Education & Professional Credentials
- University degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
- Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) preferred.
- Professional Payroll Designation (PCP, PLP, or equivalent) preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of progressive payroll accounting, payroll reporting, or payroll audit experience within a large organization.
- Experience with payroll reconciliations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Demonstrated experience in payroll auditing, data analysis, and financial reporting.
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience is considered an asset.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of payroll accounting principles and practices.
- Understanding of payroll legislation, employment standards, tax requirements, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience working with HRIS, payroll, ERP, or financial systems.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience creating ad hoc reports, dashboards, and data analyses.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret complex payroll and financial data.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Effective leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work environment with a combination of remote and in-office responsibilities.
- Occasional evening work may be required to support payroll deadlines, projects, or operational requirements.
- Role involves extensive use of payroll systems, reporting tools, and financial software.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- CPA and Payroll-certified professional with strong payroll accounting expertise.
- Experienced in payroll audits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
- Comfortable working with large volumes of complex payroll data.
- Strong understanding of payroll compliance and internal controls.
- Proven leader who can drive process improvements and mentor team members.
- Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and committed to accuracy.
