Specialist/Analyst, Payroll Operations

Payroll Operations Specialist

Location: Phoenix, AZ Work Schedule: Monday–Friday | 100% On-site (5 days per week) Department: Finance – Payroll Operations

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Operations Specialist to support a high-volume, multi-state payroll operation within a large corporate environment.

This position is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of employee payroll, including collecting, reviewing, entering, auditing, and verifying payroll data. The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll for a large organization, strong Microsoft Excel skills, and an understanding of payroll regulations, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and union payroll requirements.

The Payroll Operations Specialist will also support payroll reporting, audit compliance, employee inquiries, process improvements, and special projects while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to established payroll procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process high-volume, multi-state payroll accurately and within established deadlines.

• Collect, review, enter, edit, and verify employee payroll data.

• Ensure payroll transactions comply with company policies, applicable labor agreements, and federal, state, and local regulations.

• Maintain the confidentiality and security of employee payroll information.

• Review payroll audit reports, identify discrepancies, and coordinate necessary corrections.

• Organize and maintain accurate payroll records to minimize errors and incorrect employee payments.

• Apply payroll processing requirements specific to unionized employee groups and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

• Support accurate and timely payroll processing for a large, diverse workforce.

Payroll Auditing & Compliance

• Review payroll transactions and audit reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Follow established Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) processing controls, procedures, and documentation requirements.

• Identify payroll discrepancies, investigate root causes, and recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure payroll processing activities align with internal controls and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and supporting records for audit purposes.

Employee Support & Issue Resolution

• Research and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• Investigate payroll discrepancies, payment concerns, and processing issues.

• Explain complex payroll information, policies, and procedures to employees at all organizational levels.

• Collaborate with internal departments to resolve payroll-related issues.

• Provide a high level of customer service while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Reporting, Data Analysis & Process Improvement

• Analyze large volumes of payroll data using Microsoft Excel and related tools.

• Utilize Excel formulas, macros, and reporting functions to review and validate payroll information.

• Identify trends, errors, and opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.

• Evaluate existing payroll processes and recommend improvements while maintaining SOX compliance.

• Document, maintain, and update payroll procedures and process workflows.

• Assist with payroll system testing, special projects, and other assigned responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

Education

- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in payroll processing, accounting, or human resources, preferably within a high-volume, multi-state payroll environment.

• Experience processing payroll in a large corporate organization.

• Strong understanding of payroll processing procedures, payroll data validation, and employee payment accuracy.

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), union payroll requirements, or labor agreement provisions.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including working with large datasets.

• Experience researching payroll discrepancies and resolving employee inquiries.

• Ability to maintain accurate payroll records and follow established compliance procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong payroll processing and administration skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting.

• Experience working with high-volume payroll data.

• Understanding of multi-state payroll operations.

• Familiarity with union payroll and collective bargaining agreements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to meet strict payroll processing deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to explain complex payroll information clearly and professionally.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive employee information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience with SAP payroll systems.

• Experience working in a large enterprise or corporate payroll department.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including macros and large-scale data analysis.

• Familiarity with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements and payroll internal controls.

• Experience supporting payroll system testing and process improvement initiatives.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Work Location: Phoenix, AZ

• Work Arrangement: 100% on-site, five days per week.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced payroll operations environment with strict processing deadlines.

• Must demonstrate accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism when handling sensitive payroll information.

• Additional duties and special projects may be assigned based on business needs.