Job Title:  Payroll Systems Analyst

Job Purpose

The Payroll Systems Analyst is responsible for the configuration, administration, and ongoing optimization of the organization’s Time & Attendance (WFM) and Global Payroll applications. This role serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for Payroll and Workforce Management systems, partnering closely with HR, Payroll, IT, and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to ensure system accuracy, compliance, integrations, and continuous improvement.

The Payroll System Analyst leads system enhancements, supports production processing, provides backup support, and ensures platforms operate efficiently and reliably to meet business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll & Workforce Management System Administration

• Serve as the primary system administrator for the organization’s Payroll and Time & Attendance applications, maintaining expert-level knowledge across all modules.
• Configure and maintain system workflows, business rules, pay rules, accruals, labor rules, and security roles to align with organizational policies and compliance requirements.
• Partner with system vendors, internal technology teams, and the Managed Service Provider to manage system configuration, issue resolution, and ongoing support.
• Coordinate system updates, releases, and testing cycles, ensuring changes are thoroughly validated prior to deployment.

Payroll & Time and Attendance Configuration

• Own end-to-end configuration for Payroll and Time & Attendance systems, including pay codes, schedules, holidays, premiums, and accrual programs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Payroll and WFM system functionality, providing consultation and guidance to Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT teams.

Integrations & System Monitoring

• Maintain, monitor, and support integrations between payroll systems and internal or external applications (e.g., HR systems, benefits providers, finance, third-party vendors).
• Troubleshoot integration and data flow issues, identify root causes, and coordinate resolution with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure interfaces operate securely, accurately, and in compliance with internal controls and audit standards.

Data Integrity & Reporting

• Maintain data accuracy and system integrity through routine audits, reconciliations, and validation processes.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard and custom payroll and workforce reports.
• Provide reporting, dashboards, and insights to HR, Payroll, Finance, and leadership to support informed decision-making.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Routinely review system releases, product enhancements, and new functionality from payroll and WFM vendors.
• Assess organizational impact and provide recommendations for system improvements and automation opportunities.
• Lead the design, configuration, testing, and implementation of approved enhancements and changes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline payroll and workforce processes and enhance user experience.
• Document system configurations, business processes, and maintain up-to-date SOPs and technical documentation.

User Support & Training

• Provide support for payroll and workforce systems, including issue investigation and resolution.
• Develop and deliver system training, job aids, and knowledge resources for HR, Payroll, managers, and end users.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and escalation point for system-related inquiries.

Project Management

• Lead or support payroll and WFM system projects, including new vendor implementations, integrations, upgrades, and process redesign initiatives.
• Partner with project stakeholders to manage timelines, testing, risks, and deliverables to ensure successful outcomes.

SOX Controls & Audit Compliance

• Support and maintain SOX compliant payroll and workforce management system controls, including access controls, segregation of duties, configuration governance, and change management processes.
• Partner with Internal Audit, Compliance, Payroll, HR, and IT to ensure payroll system controls are properly designed, documented, and operating effectively.
• Participate in SOX audits, internal audits, and external audits by providing system documentation, access reviews, evidence of controls, test results, and remediation plans as needed.
• Monitor and enforce user security, role based access, and approval workflows to ensure compliance with SOX and internal control requirements.
• Ensure all system changes, configurations, and enhancements follow established change management and approval protocols with appropriate testing, validation, and documentation.
• Proactively identify control gaps or audit risks and recommend corrective actions to strengthen system and process controls.
• Maintain audit ready documentation, including SOPs, control narratives, risk assessments, and system process flows related to payroll and workforce management applications.

Additional Duties Assigned

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting enterprise Payroll and/or Workforce Management systems.
• Proven experience with system configuration, releases, integrations, and vendor collaboration.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, data controls, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with managed service providers or outsourced payroll models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large scale or global payroll environments.
• Vendor agnostic payroll system experience (e.g., enterprise HRIS, payroll, or WFM platforms).
• Project or change management experience supporting system implementations or enhancements.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking – Ability to align payroll tax and compliance strategies with business goals.
• Leadership & Mentorship – Develop, train, and support payroll professionals.
• Process Optimization – Identify efficiencies and drive automation initiatives.
• Compliance Mastery – Ensure 100% adherence to evolving payroll tax laws.
• Problem-Solving & Analysis – Apply advanced critical thinking to resolve complex payroll challenges.