Payroll Tax Analyst

About the role

The Payroll Tax Analyst ensures accurate calculation, timely filing, reconciliation, and compliance of all payroll‑related taxes across the United States and Canada. Acting as a subject‑matter expert, the analyst partners with Payroll, HR, Finance, Legal and external tax vendors to maintain well‑controlled payroll tax operations.

Key responsibilities

• Calculate, withhold, remit and reconcile federal, state, local and unemployment payroll taxes.
• Support year‑end activities, including preparation of W‑2/W‑2c, T4 and T4A forms.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll tax compliance in both countries.
• Maintain payroll tax configuration in Workday HCM to meet regulatory requirements.
• Perform monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations between payroll results and tax filings.
• Investigate and resolve tax variances, discrepancies and agency notices promptly.
• Document reconciliations, filings and audit requests in detail.
• Execute and maintain SOX‑compliant payroll tax controls and provide evidence for internal and external audits.
• Identify control gaps, assess risks and recommend remediation or process enhancements.
• Partner with third‑party payroll and tax vendors to ensure accurate, timely processing.
• Serve as point of contact for tax agencies and auditors.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal and Audit on tax‑related topics.
• Support Workday payroll enhancements, testing and automation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, process documentation and control narratives.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3–5+ years of payroll tax experience in a multi‑state environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state and local payroll tax regulations.
• Working knowledge of Canadian payroll tax requirements, including CPP and EI.
• Hands‑on experience supporting payroll tax processes and SOX controls.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation and problem‑solving abilities.
• Preferred: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
• Experience with outsourced or co‑sourced payroll models and system transformations or M&A activity.
• Workday Payroll experience is a plus.

Required skills

• Workday HCM/Payroll configuration and testing.
• Payroll tax calculation, filing and reconciliation.
• SOX compliance and audit documentation.
• Vendor management for payroll tax services.
• Knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll tax regulations.