Payroll and Benefits Analyst

Overview

The Payroll and Benefits Analyst supports accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll and benefits operations across North America. A key focus is auditing payroll files and related data to identify errors, discrepancies, and control gaps before and after payroll processing. This role also owns day-to-day administration and ongoing management of the company 401(k) program and provides analytical and operational support across payroll, benefits, billing, and finance-related activities.

This position demonstrates strong attention to detail, analytical judgment, confidentiality, and a service-oriented approach. The analyst partners with People & Culture, Payroll, Benefits, Finance, external vendors, and business stakeholders to resolve issues, strengthen controls, maintain accurate records, and support timely employee service. The role requires managing recurring deadlines while responding effectively to ad hoc requests and shifting priorities.

This Austin, Texas-based position reports to the People & Culture Director for North America and supports payroll and benefits operations, including acting as backup to Payroll Specialists as needed. The analyst must independently perform detailed audits, research discrepancies, clearly communicate findings, and complete globally required payroll auditing and reporting activities in accordance with company requirements.

Responsibilities

• Audit payroll files, payroll registers, employee changes, earnings, deductions, taxes, and other payroll-related data to identify discrepancies and help ensure accurate processing.
• Research payroll exceptions and discrepancies, document findings, coordinate corrections, and track issues through resolution.
• Own and manage day-to-day administration of the company 401(k) program, including:
  • Monitoring employee and employer contributions
  • Supporting eligibility
  • Conducting file reviews and reconciliations
  • Coordinating with the plan vendor
  • Resolving issues

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of payroll, benefits, payroll accounting, HR operations, or related analytical experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience auditing payroll data, reconciling payroll or benefit accounts, researching discrepancies, and documenting corrections.
• Experience administering or supporting a defined contribution retirement plan, preferably a 401(k) plan, including contribution and eligibility review, reconciliations, and vendor coordination.
• Working knowledge of payroll concepts, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxes, deductions, benefit deductions, retirement plan contributions, and payroll controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy.