The Senior Payroll Analyst ensures accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll while partnering closely with Finance and People teams. This role provides reliable financial data, supports payroll tax and holiday processing, and serves as a mentor and subject matter expert to payroll staff.
This is a 6 month FIXED TERM remote role.
In this role, you will...
Maintain payroll systems and processes, including data collection, calculation, and entry from the People system of record
Update payroll records including benefits, deductions, variable pay, and other pay-impacting data
Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and benefit requirements
Administer pension, savings, and benefit-related payroll activities
Execute end-to-end payroll operations across assigned regions
Manage payroll workflow to ensure accurate and timely processing of all transactions
Reconcile payroll data prior to transmission and validate final reports
Ensure proper taxation of wages and employer-paid benefits
Process garnishments accurately and ensure compliance with legal requirements
Oversee time & attendance integrations and holiday processing
Coordinate payment delivery (checks, ACH, or electronic transfers)
Prepare payroll reports including earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, and non-taxable wages
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and variances
Respond to employee and stakeholder payroll inquiries
Support funding and payments to third parties, banks, agencies, and benefit providers
Assist with internal and external audits
Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation
Monitor regulatory changes and advise stakeholders on required actions
Drive continuous improvement and payroll process enhancements
Support and lead regional payroll projects and system improvements
Mentor and guide junior payroll staff
You've got what it takes if you...
5+ years of strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processing in a multi-state or multi-region environment
Solid understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage laws, and compliance requirements
Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms ADP required (e.g., Workday, SAP, or similar a plus)
Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data reconciliation)
Demonstrated ability to perform payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex payroll data
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
Strong communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
Experience supporting audits (SOX or similar controls preferred)
Ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and influence outcomes
Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business, or other relevant or related field or equivalent experience
Extra dose of awesome if...
Experience with global payroll operations or supporting multiple international regions
Exposure to equity compensation payroll (RSUs, ESPP, stock taxation)
Experience with payroll system implementations, migrations, or transformations
Knowledge of automation tools, reporting tools, or Power BI/Tableau
Experience working in a high-growth or fast-scaling organization
Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
Experience partnering with Finance on accruals, forecasting, and month-end close
CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar certification
Experience mentoring or leading payroll team members
Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering improvements
Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental commitment at Cornerstone OnDemand. All qualified applicants are given consideration regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class as provided in applicable Federal, State, or Local fair employment laws. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]
