Senior Payroll Compliance Analyst

We’re seeking a strategic payroll compliance professional who combines deep technical expertise, executive-level communication skills, and the ability to lead through influence in a highly regulated and evolving environment. Our team is responsible for processing US multi-state and Canadian multi-province payrolls and tax remittances, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while maintaining accuracy and timeliness. This role serves as a trusted advisor to Payroll, Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management, and senior business leaders. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong executive presence, the ability to communicate complex payroll and tax matters to diverse audiences, and the confidence to influence decisions across organizational levels. This position requires an individual who can navigate ambiguity, independently research complex compliance matters, and provide strategic recommendations that balance regulatory requirements with business objectives.

In collaboration with our Finance & Human Capital Transformation Office, our firm is implementing a new payroll system over the next two years. This Senior Payroll Compliance Analyst role will play a critical part in ensuring smooth transition, supporting the teams onboarding to the new system, updating documentation and processes, and ensuring the platform is performing as expected during implementation.

What you’ll do:

Key responsibilities will include:

• Payroll Compliance, Tax Research & Advisory – Lead the research, interpretation, and application of complex U.S. and Canadian payroll tax regulations, including federal, state, provincial, local, and cross-border payroll matters. Evaluate emerging legislative and regulatory changes, develop practical compliance strategies, and provide expert guidance to Payroll, Finance, HR, and leadership teams. Prepare and present recommendations on complex payroll tax scenarios, ensuring decisions are supported by thorough analysis, sound judgment, and risk-based thinking.

• Automation, Optimization & Payroll Data Strategy – Driving process optimization and automation initiatives to enhance payroll compliance, reconciliations, and reporting. Utilizing technology and automation tools to streamline processes, reduce manual intervention, and approve accuracy. Analyzing payroll data trends while providing insights for process improvements and compliance risk mitigation. Also, supporting system enhancements to align with evolving business and regulatory requirements.

• Governance & Strategic Influence – Represent Payroll in executive-level discussions, transformation initiatives, and cross-functional working groups. Effectively communicate payroll compliance risks, operational impacts, and strategic recommendations to senior leaders. Build credibility and influence across departments by translating complex technical issues into clear business implications and actionable solutions.

• Controls & Compliance Risk Management – Establish and maintain payroll tax controls, ensuring accuracy, and preventing discrepancies in payroll reporting. Identify and address compliance control gaps, recommend and implement process improvements, and collaborate with internal audit, risk management, and finance teams to enhance payroll oversight.

• Informal Leadership & Partnership – Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and informal leader within the Payroll organization. Coordinate and influence work across team members, helping prioritize activities, resolve issues, and ensure critical deadlines are met. Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical guidance to associates while fostering knowledge sharing and professional development. Lead through influence rather than authority by building strong relationships, facilitating collaboration, and driving alignment across stakeholders and functional teams. Act as an escalation point for complex payroll tax and compliance matters, helping the team navigate challenging scenarios and identify effective solutions.

• In collaboration with our Finance & Human Capital Transformation Office, our firm is implementing a new payroll system over the next two years. This Senior Payroll Compliance Analyst role will play a critical part in ensuring smooth transition, supporting the teams onboarding to the new system, updating documentation and processes, and ensuring the platform is performing as expected during implementation.

What you’ll need:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of payroll experience, with exposure to payroll tax, compliance, data analysis, and process improvement.

• Skills & Technology:

• Strong knowledge of data analytics, reporting tools, and compliance and governance frameworks.

• Experience with automation tools, HCM/ERP system implementations, and financial reconciliations.

• Ability to analyze payroll trends and develop data-driven strategies for process improvements.

• Certifications:

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – Preferred, but not required (If not held, must pursue if hired)

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Preferred, but not required

Candidates that live within a commutable distance from our Tempe, AZ and St. Louis, MO home office locations are expected to work in the office four days per week.