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Payroll Operations Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Operations Analyst Department Code amp; Name: 311 - Finance Central: Payroll Reports To: Payroll Analyst FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Remote (U.S.-based) with occasional travel for site ...

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Payroll Operations Analyst

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$62.26K - $77.64K/yr

The Payroll Operations Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely end to end payroll administration in a multi-state and multi-company global environment. This role involves analyzing ...

... operations during Oracle testing by ensuring accurate payroll processing, data integrity, and ... Payroll Analyst Responsibilities: * Process end-to-end multi-frequency union and non-union payrolls ...

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Payroll Operations Analyst information

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How much do payroll operations analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll operations analyst in the United States is $34.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Operations Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of payroll regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Proficiency in payroll software (such as ADP or Workday), Excel, and possibly a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification are commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help ensure accuracy and effective collaboration with HR and finance teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring timely and compliant payroll processing, minimizing errors, and supporting overall organizational efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Payroll Operations Analysts, and how are they typically addressed?

Payroll Operations Analysts often encounter challenges such as managing complex payroll regulations, ensuring data accuracy, and meeting tight deadlines during payroll cycles. These challenges are typically addressed through robust process documentation, frequent collaboration with HR and finance teams, and continuous training on compliance requirements. Leveraging payroll software and automation tools also helps minimize errors and streamline workflows, allowing analysts to focus on resolving discrepancies and improving overall efficiency.

What does a Payroll Operations Analyst do?

A Payroll Operations Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee payroll. They analyze payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and maintain compliance with all relevant laws and company policies. Their duties often include auditing payroll reports, implementing process improvements, and collaborating with HR and finance departments. This role requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of payroll systems and regulations.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Analyst vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Operations AnalystPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC are commonOften requires similar credentials; certifications like CPP or FPC are also valued
Work EnvironmentWorks in finance or HR departments, analyzing payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and optimizing workflowsHandles payroll processing, data entry, and employee inquiries, often in HR or payroll departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries in finance, HR, and payroll departments for process improvementCommonly employed in organizations with dedicated payroll teams for processing employee payments

The Payroll Operations Analyst focuses on analyzing and improving payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and supporting payroll systems. In contrast, the Payroll Specialist primarily handles payroll processing, data management, and employee inquiries. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to payroll functions, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Payroll Operations Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Analyst job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,803 per year, or $34 per hour.
Payroll Operations Analyst

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Payroll Operations Analyst
Department Code amp; Name: 311 - Finance Central: Payroll
Reports To: Payroll Analyst
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote (U.S.-based) with occasional travel for site visits and business-related events

About LOVB (League One Volleyball):
About the role:

The Senior Payroll Operations Analyst serves as a senior-level technical and analytical payroll resource supporting payroll operations across multiple entities and pay groups. This role is responsible for payroll processing execution, reconciliations, reporting, data validation, payroll system support, operational troubleshooting, and payroll analytics.

The position supports payroll operations through payroll processing, issue research, configuration validation, audit preparation, reporting, and process documentation while partnering closely with Payroll Operations leadership, Tax Compliance, Finance, and People Success. This role focuses heavily on payroll data integrity, operational reporting, system support, process improvement, and payroll analytics to help ensure payroll processes remain accurate, compliant, scalable, and efficient in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities

Payroll Processing Support amp; Execution

  • Process and submit payrolls for multiple legal entities and pay groups in accordance with established payroll schedules and procedures.
  • Review and validate payroll preview results prior to payroll submission.
  • Execute payroll balancing, reconciliation, and post-payroll validation activities.
  • Analyze payroll variances, reconciliations, and payroll register results.
  • Research payroll discrepancies, tax issues, earnings variances, and employee pay concerns.
  • Process retroactive adjustments, off-cycle payrolls, and payroll corrections as needed.
  • Support accurate and timely execution of payroll transactions in compliance with established procedures and payroll regulations.
  • Assist with payroll-related inquiries and operational issue resolution.

Payroll Analytics amp; Reporting

  • Develop, maintain, and analyze payroll reports, reconciliations, dashboards, and operational metrics.
  • Perform payroll trend analysis related to overtime, labor distribution, earnings, deductions, and workforce activity.
  • Identify payroll discrepancies, anomalies, and processing variances through reporting and data analysis.
  • Support audit requests and payroll reporting requirements for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Assist with workforce and payroll data analysis to support operational decision-making.
  • Prepare recurring and ad hoc payroll reporting for Payroll, Finance, and operational leadership.

Payroll Systems amp; Technical Support

  • Support payroll system configuration and validation including earnings, deductions, taxes, labor allocations, and pay policies.
  • Assist with payroll system testing, UAT validation, and implementation support activities.
  • Research and troubleshoot payroll system issues, data discrepancies, and interface errors as applicable.
  • Support payroll data integrity initiatives and system/process improvement efforts.
  • Assist with payroll setup validation and workforce data review activities for new entities, locations, or operational changes.
  • Document payroll system processes, workflows, and configuration requirements.

Compliance, Audit amp; Controls Support

  • Support payroll compliance activities related to federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
  • Assist with payroll audit preparation, reconciliations, and supporting documentation requests.
  • Participate in payroll control validation and process review activities.
  • Support payroll tax reconciliation and reporting activities in partnership with Payroll Tax Compliance.
  • Assist with maintaining payroll documentation and operational procedures.

Process Improvement amp; Operational Support

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, reporting enhancements, and operational efficiencies.
  • Assist with development and maintenance of payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Support operational readiness and stabilization activities during payroll implementations and process changes.
  • Partner cross-functionally to improve payroll data accuracy and operational consistency.
  • Serve as a technical resource for payroll systems, reporting, and operational processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • This position does not have direct people management responsibilities.

Qualifications

  • 5–8+ years of payroll operations, processing, and analytical experience.
  • Strong understanding of payroll compliance, wage and hour regulations, payroll taxes, and payroll accounting concepts.
  • Experience supporting payroll systems implementations and/or workforce management systems.
  • Advanced Google / Excel skills include reporting, reconciliations, pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
  • Experience with HCM/payroll and Time amp; Attendance systems such as Rippling (required), Workday, UKG, Kronos Workforce Management, ADP, Paycor, or similar platforms.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, reconciliation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • CPP certification preferred but not required.

Required Experience

  • Multi-entity payroll environments
  • Payroll implementations and acquisitions/integrations
  • Workforce management and timekeeping systems
  • Payroll audits and controls support
  • Sports, hospitality, retail, healthcare, or multi-location operational environments
  • Rippling