Senior Payroll Analyst

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: RENFROE is a forward-thinking claims management firm using cutting-edge technology to deliver best-in-class service to our clients and to assist their customers after often catastrophic, life-changing events.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Analyst to lead and oversee weekly and biweekly payroll cycles for both project-based and home office employees. This role plays a critical part in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and proper financial treatment across a complex, multi-state environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller and partnering closely with Human Resources, the Senior Payroll Analyst serves as a payroll subject matter expert—bringing strong judgment, technical payroll knowledge, and accounting insight to commissions, reserves, payroll taxes, and audits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead weekly and bi-weekly payroll cycles for field and home office employees, including pre-payroll audits, exception resolution, and final validation

• Lead the transition to automated workflows within D365 and Paycom, serving as the primary payroll subject matter expert throughout implementation and ongoing optimization
• Own complex payroll components such as commissions, reserves, draws, advances, per diem, garnishments, and other variable pay elements

• Serve as the primary escalation point for payroll issues, ensuring accurate and timely resolution

• Apply accounting judgment to ensure payroll, tax, and liability amounts are accurately posted to the general ledger

• Prepare and support payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis in partnership with Accounting

• Determine appropriate accounting treatment for non-routine payroll items and recommend corrections when needed

• Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour and payroll tax requirements

• Act as the primary contact for state and local tax agencies, researching and resolving notices and discrepancies
• Lead resolution strategies for tax escalations, coordinating with Human Resources (HRIS owner) and Accounting
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and regulatory reporting
• Lead payroll support for 401(k) and retirement plan audits, including schedules and reconciliations
• Partner closely with Human Resources on employee lifecycle changes to ensure accurate payroll outcomes
• Collaborate with Accounting during payroll close and audit activities
• Provide guidance and knowledge-sharing on payroll processes, tax considerations, and compliance best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll controls, documentation, and processes
• Stay current on payroll laws and regulatory changes that may impact the organization

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience in a complex, multi-state environment
• Demonstrated experience with commissions, reserves, and variable compensation structures
• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and payroll tax requirements
• Experience applying payroll data to the general ledger and supporting payroll accounting activities
• Experience interacting with state and local tax agencies and supporting audit processes
• Advanced proficiency with payroll systems required; Paycom experience strongly preferred and D365 (or equivalent ERP) experience a significant plus; advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently stand, walk, and sit
• Ability to work virtually and in an office environment.
• Standard full-time schedule (40 hours/week); occasional flexibility may be required during peak payroll periods, year-end close, and system implementation milestones.
• Frequently use computer equipment and telephone
• Fast-paced, changing, multi-tasking environment

Why Join RENFROE?

At Renfroe, we believe that success starts with our people. By joining our team, you’ll become part of a culture built on strong values:

Excellence: We are dedicated to excellence in every aspect of our work. We seek the best minds and talents, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.

Growth: Your growth is our priority. Whether through career advancement, skill enhancement, or personal development, we provide the support and resources to help you reach your full potential.

Curiosity: We foster curiosity and innovation, encouraging creative thinking and exploration of new ideas to remain at the forefront of our industry.

Empathy: A supportive and understanding workplace is key to our success. We value empathy and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Integrity: Transparency and honesty are at the core of our business practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all that we do.

Service: Service is the cornerstone of our values. We are committed to making a positive impact for our clients, our community, and each other.