Payroll Systems Analyst Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY:

The Payroll Analyst reports to the Payroll Manager. Under general supervision, ensures compliance with established payroll policies and procedures as well as federal and state regulations. Maintains accurate payroll records, reviews payroll data submitted by department management, and prepares data for system input. Audits transactions submitted for the payment of wages and inputs data for payroll processing.

Owns assigned payroll activities and payroll-related issues from intake through final resolution, ensuring accurate outcomes, proper documentation, timely response, adherence to defined service level expectations, escalation protocols, and payroll control standards. Communicates regularly with supervisors and managers throughout the organization regarding interpretation of payroll policies and researches and resolves related issues.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Employees are also expected to demonstrate core Success Factors including Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaboration.
• Reviews payroll data, timesheets, prior pay adjustments, off-cycle check requests, and special pay forms prepared by departments, ensuring proper documentation and authorization.
• Generates, reviews, distributes, and resolves discrepancies identified in pre- and post-payroll audit reports prior to payroll processing.
• Verifies accuracy of payroll transactions entered online or interfaced from external sources; analyzes rejected or out-of-balance items and submits corrected information.
• Communicates with department managers, supervisors, and timekeepers regarding required corrections, pay adjustments, time entry issues, retroactivity, and payroll results.
• Provides effective payroll support for UKG (Kronos) Workforce Management / Time and Attendance, including calculation support, reporting, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.
• Owns payroll inquiries and issues from intake through final resolution using Workday Help or designated tracking tools, applying defined escalation thresholds for complex pay issues, system defects, union interpretation questions, and compliance or tax-related exposure.
• Provides in-depth troubleshooting for payroll or application errors and escalates issues to Payroll Systems Analysts as appropriate.
• Processes manual checks, supplemental payrolls, stop payments, reversals, reissues, lost or destroyed checks, and prior-year W-2s in accordance with policy and approved exceptions.
• Supports payroll controls and audit readiness by preparing reconciliation support and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Works closely with Human Resources, Benefits, Retirement, Finance, Payroll Tax, and Information Services partners to resolve payroll-related matters and support payroll-related projects, testing, and end-user training activities.
• Creates, updates, and maintains internal payroll procedures, job aids, and documentation; identifies opportunities for process improvements and enhanced service delivery.
• Provides support to the Employee Self-Service portal and delivers timely, professional customer service to employees, managers, and departments.
• Maintains payroll records and files in accordance with documentation and retention requirements.
• Handles confidential employee information with sensitivity and discretion.
• Incumbent functions independently within established department policies and practices; refers complex issues to the Payroll Manager when clarification of policy, procedure, or federal/state regulations is required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION:

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred; however, an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of five years of relevant payroll, finance, or accounting experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Certification as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is preferred and required for senior-level roles or must be obtained within one year of hire. Ongoing maintenance of certification is required where applicable.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 3 years of payroll experience is required. Experience in processing payroll in a high-volume, multi-entity, Union environment is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, issue resolution, and support multiple payroll cycles including weekly, biweekly, and off-cycle runs. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite, including the use of formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis, is required. Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as Workday Payroll, ADP Enterprise, ADP Smart Compliance, and UKG Workforce Dimensions is REQUIRED, along with the ability to work cross-functionally and support process improvement initiatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

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EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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