Payroll Analyst (EST)

Job Title: Payroll Analyst **(MUST live in EST time zone and work EST hours)**

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Payroll Analyst to join our team. This role involves managing and executing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, and supporting cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll activities across multiple locations and pay cycles, including both domestic and international employee groups.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule, covering new hires, separations, leave situations, pay adjustments, incentives, retro pay, and off-cycle transactions.
• Review and reconcile payroll data integrations between internal systems and external partners such as banks, benefits providers, and timekeeping platforms.
• Validate employee records to confirm accuracy of compensation, tax setup, benefit elections, and direct deposit information.
• Address urgent payroll-related issues with speed and precision.
• Support payroll operations across multiple countries by working with international vendors and regional payroll partners.
• Act as a key contact for global payroll systems and third-party providers.
• Stay informed on country-specific payroll laws and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Finance teams on cross-border compensation matters and employee lifecycle changes impacting pay.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Track updates to tax laws, unemployment rates, wage requirements, and garnishment obligations.
• Oversee year-end deliverables such as W-2 distribution, payroll tax filings, ACA reporting, and reconciliations.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, internal controls, and training resources.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing reports, analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and review payroll-related journal entries and general ledger files.
• Investigate discrepancies and partner with Accounting to resolve variances.
• Contribute to close activities by supporting accruals, reconciliations, and accurate payroll postings.
• Maintain payroll system configurations, including earnings codes, deduction setups, tax profiles, and workflow rules.
• Generate standard and ad hoc payroll reports for leadership, Finance, HR, and audit teams.
• Monitor key payroll metrics and leverage advanced Excel capabilities for data analysis.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll questions related to pay, taxes, benefits, and time tracking.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
• Provide timely, professional support to employees and leadership regarding payroll inquiries.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, compliance, and scalability.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance.
• Hands-on exposure to international payroll operations and coordination with global vendors.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems such as UKG, ADP, Workday, Ceridian, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, audits, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of wage and hour regulations, payroll tax requirements, and garnishment processes.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including data analysis and reconciliation tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in high-growth, multi-entity, or private equity-backed organizations.
• Familiarity with global payroll platforms such as Deel, Rippling, Papaya Global, or ADP Global.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience processing equity-based compensation (e.g., RSUs, stock options).
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position, but candidates must reside in the Eastern Time Zone. The schedule is 8-5 PM EST. The role requires working collaboratively across various departments and utilizing enterprise payroll systems. The position covers for maternity leave with an initial duration of four months, with the potential for extension.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chino, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be

subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

•…