Senior Payroll Analyst

Senior Payroll Analyst

Company: Pritchard Companies
Department: HR
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Location: Onsite - Clear Lake, Iowa

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Analyst to oversee complex payroll operations and ensure accuracy, compliance, and data integrity across the organization. This role blends deep payroll expertise with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to support reliable payroll execution, audit readiness, and continuous process improvement.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a detail‑driven environment, enjoys solving complex payroll challenges, and partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Operations

• Oversee and review multi‑entity, multi‑state payroll processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll processes, calculations, and funding requirements
• Monitor payroll funding and coordinate with payroll providers to avoid processing delays
• Perform complex payroll reconciliations and variance analysis
• Resolve escalated payroll issues using root‑cause analysis
• Support year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 processing and corrections

Payroll Compliance & Tax

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
• Review payroll tax filings, amendments, and reconciliations in partnership with payroll vendors
• Research regulatory changes and assess impacts to payroll operations
• Support internal and external audits through documentation and analysis
• Maintain internal payroll controls, policies, and documentation

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and analyze payroll reports related to earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, and labor costs
• Develop recurring payroll metrics and dashboards for HR and Finance leadership
• Support payroll forecasting, accruals, and reconciliations
• Ensure payroll data accuracy through audits and validation checks

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure accurate data flow and compliance
• Provide guidance, training, and support to Payroll Specialists and HR partners
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and system efficiency
• Assist with payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementations

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field
• At least 5 years of progressive payroll experience in a complex environment
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, tax compliance, and labor laws
• Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, and data analysis
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP or similar platforms
• High attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills

Helpful or Preferred Experience

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification
• Experience supporting multi‑state or multi‑company payroll
• Experience partnering with Finance, external vendors, and auditors
• Payroll system implementation or optimization experience
• Strong documentation and process‑improvement background

Why This Role Matters

• Ensures payroll accuracy, compliance, and reliability
• Supports audit readiness and financial integrity
• Strengthens payroll partnerships with HR and Finance
• Drives continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems