Sr. Analyst, Payroll

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions. The Senior Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll across the organization. This position is responsible for analyzing payroll operations, identifying process improvement opportunities, supporting system enhancements, and helping maintain adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. The Senior Payroll Analyst partners closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and benefits teams to drive best practices, strengthen controls, and support efficient payroll operations. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, deep knowledge of payroll systems, and a solid understanding of payroll tax and compliance requirements. Location: Charlotte, NC Schedule: Hybrid (in-office 3 days per week) Senior Payroll Responsibilities: Payroll Processing - Process payroll accurately and on time for multiple locations, business units, and employee groups. - Ensure payroll activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. - Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness. - Respond to employee and management inquiries related to payroll matters in a timely and professional manner. - Support the distribution of pay through direct deposit and other payment methods, as applicable. - Maintain payroll records, documentation, and audit-ready files. Payroll Reporting and Analysis - Prepare and distribute standard and ad hoc payroll reports for management and business partners. - Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement. - Investigate and resolve payroll issues, variances, and processing errors. - Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve payroll accuracy, controls, and efficiency. Benefits Administration - Support payroll-related benefits administration, including healthcare, retirement, and other employee benefit programs. - Ensure accurate benefit deductions and employer/employee contributions. - Process and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and related payroll adjustments. - Assist with open enrollment and new hire enrollment processes. - Serve as a point of contact between employees and benefit providers for payroll-related issues. Compliance and Auditing - Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and employment regulations. - Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and related documentation. - Conduct internal audits and reviews to ensure payroll accuracy, data integrity, and compliance. - Support external audits by gathering required data and documentation. - Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to processes, controls, and policies as needed. Systems and Process Improvement - Maintain payroll systems and support updates, enhancements, and ongoing system integrity. - Test and troubleshoot payroll system issues in partnership with HRIS and IT teams. - Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce risk. - Support training for new team members on payroll processes, systems, and procedures. - Collaborate cross-functionally on system integrations, upgrades, and policy changes impacting payroll. High-Impact Behaviors - Continuous Professional Development: Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and staying current on payroll trends, technologies, and regulatory changes. - Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively across teams and values diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals and better outcomes. - Results-Driven Performance: Maintains high standards, takes ownership, and delivers accurate, timely, and effective results. Senior Payroll Analyst Required Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 4 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. - Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. - Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. - Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines. - Working knowledge of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements. Preferred Qualifications - Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). - Experience supporting payroll process improvements, audits, or system implementations. - Experience working in a multi-state or complex payroll environment. XYLEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS POSITION. Why Xylem? We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our benefits include: · Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits · Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable · Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one · Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark) · Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays · Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness · Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution · Employee recognition and discount programs Ready to grow your career while making a difference? Join a team that values your skills, supports your development, and empowers you to help solve global water challenges. #LI-RR1 #Hybrid Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation