Payroll Analyst

The Payroll Analyst supports payroll accuracy, compliance, reporting, and process improvement for a workforce of more than 9,000 associates across retail, dining, and corporate operations. This role serves as a key resource for payroll processing, payroll data analysis, audits, system integrity, and reporting within UKG Pro. The Payroll Analyst partners with Payroll, HRIS, Benefits, Finance, Labor Relations, and field operations to help ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while identifying opportunities for automation and operational efficiency. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Payroll Processing, Analysis and Auditing 

• Perform detailed pre-payroll and post-payroll audits to identify and resolve discrepancies. 

• Process payroll and monitor payroll email box for adjustments and payroll related questions 

• Analyze earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, direct deposits, and benefit deductions for accuracy. 

• Review payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, and off-cycle activity to identify trends and root causes. 

• Audit pay rates, job changes, transfers, terminations, and other payroll transactions. 

Reporting and Analytics 

• Identify payroll trends, risks, and improvement opportunities through data analysis. 

• Provide accurate workforce and payroll reporting to HR, Finance, and operational leaders. 

• Use Microsoft Excel, UKG Cognos BI, and other reporting tools to deliver actionable insights. 

Payroll Compliance 

• Support compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local payroll requirements. 

• Assist with multi-state payroll tax compliance, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting. 

• Perform audits to evaluate adherence to internal controls, company policies, and documented procedures. 

• Assist with quarter-end and year-end activities, including tax reconciliations, W-2 processing, and audit preparation. 

UKG and Payroll Systems Support 

• Serve as a payroll systems resource for UKG Pro and related integrations. 

• Assist with testing system upgrades, enhancements, acquisitions, and payroll implementations. 

• Validate configuration for earnings, deductions, taxes, and payroll processes. 

• Partner with HRIS to research interface issues and improve data integrity. 

Operational Support 

• Process weekly, biweekly, and off-cycle payroll activities. 

• Research and resolve complex payroll issues escalated by HR, managers, or associates. 

• Assist with payroll activities related to acquisitions, organizational changes, and location transitions. 

• Partner with field HR and operations leaders to improve the timeliness and accuracy of payroll transactions. 

• Support payroll training, communications, and user education initiatives. 

Required Qualifications 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field preferred. 

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant payroll experience may be considered. 

Experience 

• 3 to 5 years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment. 

• Experience with payroll reporting, auditing, reconciliation, and issue resolution. 

• Experience using UKG Pro (UltiPro) preferred. 

• Experience supporting a large, multi-location organization preferred. 

• Experience in retail, hospitality, food and beverage, or travel retail operations preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage-and-hour requirements, and payroll taxation. 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP, formulas, and data validation. 

• Experience with UKG Pro reporting and Cognos BI preferred. 

• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to interpret large volumes of payroll and workforce data. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused approach. 

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. 

• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and deadline management. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). 

• Experience supporting union payroll environments and collective bargaining requirements. 

• Knowledge of payroll system integrations, HRIS processes, and data controls. 

• Experience supporting acquisitions, payroll conversions, or organizational restructures. 

Core Competencies 

• Payroll Analytics 

• UKG Pro and Payroll Systems 

• Compliance and Internal Controls 

• Financial Reconciliation 

• Data Integrity 

• Reporting and Business Intelligence 

• Process Improvement 

• Customer Service 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Continuous Improvement 

Success Measures 

• Payroll accuracy and timely completion of assigned payroll activities. 

• Reduction in avoidable adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payments. 

• Timely completion of payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting deliverables. 

• Accurate and well-documented compliance support. 

• Timely resolution of payroll inquiries and escalations. 

• Delivery of reliable payroll reporting and actionable analysis. 

• Implementation of measurable payroll process improvements. 

Working Conditions 

• Hybrid office environment based at the Atlanta Corporate location. 

• Additional hours may be required during payroll processing, quarter-end, year-end, implementations, or other critical business periods. 

• Ability to work effectively under strict deadlines while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.