Senior Payroll & Equity Analyst - US Payroll

Job summary

The Senior Payroll and Equity Analyst is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll compliance, issue resolution, and payroll-related reporting, with a strong focus on US payroll operations. This role also supports global equity administration activities that flow through payroll, including stock-related transactions, tax setup, reporting, and coordination with cross-functional stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of US payroll regulations, multi-state payroll requirements, payroll audits, and payroll systems, along with the judgment and discretion needed to handle highly confidential information. This role requires a detail-oriented professional who can work independently, solve operational issues effectively, and collaborate closely with HR, Legal, Tax, Payroll Accounting, and other internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll operations

• Coordinate and support semi-monthly payroll processing with accuracy and timeliness
• Manage on-cycle and off-cycle payroll activities and monitor outstanding payroll errors daily
• Review payroll data, validate inputs, and conduct audits of payroll registers to ensure accuracy
• Conduct quarterly audits of employee taxable wages and help resolve discrepancies
• Review and resolve payroll issues, discrepancies, and employee questions in a timely manner
• Process payroll-related transactions including overtime, garnishments, wage assessments, child support orders, spousal support orders, and tax levies
• Prepare and provide payroll data, reports, and ad hoc analysis to internal stakeholders as needed
• Support remittances for third-party deductions, withholding taxes, and employer payroll taxes in line with business processes and regulatory requirements
• Research and respond to requests for confidential payroll information from external agencies, where applicable
• Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll regulations that impact payroll processing and compliance

Equity administration support

• Support administration of the global equity program in partnership with relevant internal teams
• Process payroll impacts of stock proceeds and ensure data is accurately reflected in payroll and stock management systems
• Set up and maintain required tax and profile information for equity-eligible employees
• Prepare and process equity transactions including new awards, vestings, and releases
• Support monthly and quarterly stock-related reporting
• Assist with the annual grant process and annual global vesting cycles for RSUs and PSUs
• Partner with Legal, HR, Payroll Accounting, and Tax on compliance, reporting, and employee communication related to equity administration

Collaboration and continuous improvement

• Partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders to address payroll and equity-related questions
• Participate in training and ongoing process improvement initiatives
• Support special projects and other related responsibilities as assigned
• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, accuracy, and service orientation

Required qualifications

• 8+ years of recent payroll processing experience in a professional corporate environment
• Strong hands-on knowledge of US payroll operations and payroll compliance
• Experience supporting large employee populations, including exempt and non-exempt employees
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing and withholdings
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure, while also collaborating well within a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with ADP Vantage, ADP Payforce, or similar enterprise payroll systems
• Experience supporting equity-related payroll processes, including RSUs and PSUs
• Familiarity with Workday or other HRIS platforms
• Knowledge of Canada payroll processing

Scope and impact

• This role is an individual contributor position with responsibility for critical payroll execution and support activities. Accuracy, sound judgment, and timely issue resolution are essential, as errors may affect employee pay, compliance, and downstream reporting.
• The role is expected to handle routine and moderately complex issues independently and escalate more complex matters appropriately.