Payroll and Benefits Analyst

Who We Are

Our purpose at CloudHQ is to provide flexible, efficient and resilient data center solutions to businesses of all sizes. Our growing organization was founded by the pioneer of data center REITs. CloudHQ has state-of-the-art data center sites located in two Northern Virginia locations, as well as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and Sao Paulo, and we anticipate exponential growth over the next several years both in the US and abroad.

What The Role Entails

The Payroll & Benefits Analyst supports the accurate and timely processing of payroll, administration of employee benefits programs, and reconciliation of payroll and benefits data to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This role requires advanced Excel skills, strong analytical capabilities, hands-on experience with payroll systems and reconciliations, and a high level of attention to detail. The ideal candidate demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Support

• Assist in processing biweekly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance; with ability to provide full backup support as needed
• Ensure accurate payroll configuration for new hires, including proper labor allocations
• Review and validate timecards and payroll data for completeness and accuracy each pay cycle
• Assist with payroll garnishments, tax withholdings, and voluntary deductions
• Support the Sr. Payroll Manager with payroll tax registrations, filings, and reporting
• Prepare, reconcile, and maintain payroll data, including: Payroll reconciliations, Benefits and deduction reconciliations, 401(k) reconciliations
• Prepare payroll reports and support year-end payroll processing
• Assist with file feeds and integrations between the HRIS, payroll system, and third-party vendors
• Support payroll audit readiness by maintaining documentation, approvals, and internal controls
• Track and maintain invoices for international payrolls, forwarding records to Accounting as needed
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits and documentation requests
• Partner with the Sr. HR Manager to draft, maintain, and communicate payroll-related standard operating procedures

Benefits Administration

• Assist with benefit plan administration, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA/HSA, pre-tax transit/parking, leave programs, and 401(k)
• Serve as point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, enrollment support, and eligibility questions
• Coordinate new hire benefits enrollment and qualifying life event changes in the HRIS/benefits platform
• Collaborate with HR Operations to manage open enrollment activities, including system configuration, communications, and deadline tracking
• Perform monthly benefits billing reconciliations and audit carrier invoices for accuracy
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations
• Support wellness initiatives in collaboration with the HR team
• Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and act as an ongoing employee resource

Data Analysis, Reporting & Compliance

• Use advanced Excel skills to analyze large datasets, identify discrepancies, and resolve payroll and benefits issues
• Collect and analyze data related to benefits utilization, costs, and trends
• Prepare regular reports on benefits enrollment, participation, and employee satisfaction
• Support compliance filings and audits, including: 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting (Forms 1094/1095), EEO-1 reporting
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of payroll and benefits data

•  2–4 years of experience in payroll processing, accounting, and/or benefits administration
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliation techniques, and large datasets
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, benefit plan structures, and relevant federal and state laws
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism

What Puts You On Top

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Knowledge of U.S. federal and applicable state payroll regulations
• Experience with payroll journal entries and general ledger reconciliation
• Familiarity with benefits broker partnerships and open enrollment administration
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification a plus
• Experience in a technology or data center environment preferred
• Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Paylocity or similar systems) 

What We Offer

CloudHQ’s people and culture are the most enriching aspects that make us a great place to work. We are strengthened by industry experts who bring extensive knowledge, skill, and experience; leaders who bring vision, innovation and commitment to our people; and an expanding team of individuals who believe in that vision, and bring their best to support their customers and team.  Our employees enjoy competitive compensation and rewarding incentives, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability), 401(k) with match, 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, development opportunities, and the ability to closely impact and contribute to the growth of an exceptional organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

CloudHQ is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.