Payroll Analyst

Job Title: Payroll AnalystLocation: Scottsdale, AZEmployment Type: This is a contract-to-direct hire position Industry: semiconductorCompensation: $38.46-$43.27 ($85,000-$90,000 per year)Schedule: 40 hours/week About the Opportunity:-As a Payroll Analyst, you will help ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while supporting payroll compliance, reconciliations, reporting, audits, and system-related initiatives.-This role offers the opportunity to leverage analytical skills, AI-enabled tools, and process improvements to help drive operational excellence across the payroll function.-We are looking for a professional who demonstrates accountability, embraces innovation, and strives for excellence while delivering an exceptional customer experience.-This position reports to the Payroll 'll Do:-Support bi-weekly payrolls to ensure timely and accurate payment of wages for approximately 3,500 employees across the US and Canada. -Research and resolve employee inquiries relating to payroll questions and issues, via email, phone and in person. -Respond to inquiries to internal groups such as HR Shared Services and HR Benefits. -Partner with Human Resources to maintain payroll system data integrity and ensure accurate calculation of pay rates, taxes, and other payroll-related transactions. -Develop, analyze, and maintain complex payroll reconciliation workbooks utilizing intermediate to advanced Excel functionality; prepare audit and reconciliation reports, validate payroll results, and research discrepancies. -Support payroll-related general ledger reconciliations and ensure alignment between payroll and financial reporting. -Analyze payroll data, trends, and anomalies to identify discrepancies, control gaps, process inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. -Support ongoing federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance and regulatory reporting requirements. -Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2, T4, tax reconciliation, and regulatory reporting requirements. -Support internal, external, SOX, financial, and regulatory audit requests and reporting requirements. -Support workers' compensation, 401(k), state and local tax, and other payroll-related audits, reviews, and inquiries. -Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for payroll systems, including troubleshooting system issues, testing enhancements, validating payroll system updates, and supporting process improvements. -Lead and actively participate in payroll-related projects, including payroll system implementations, integrations, upgrades, testing activities, process improvements, and year-end payroll updates. -Collaborate with Human Resources, Benefits, Compensation, Finance, Accounting, Tax, IT, and external payroll vendors; facilitate cross-functional discussions to resolve payroll issues, accounting discrepancies, and process improvement opportunities. -Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes through automation, standardization, AI enabled solutions, and best practices while maintaining appropriate controls and data security. -Document payroll procedures and maintain process documentation to support operational excellence and business continuity. -Maintain confidentiality of payroll and other information. -Perform other duties, special projects, and cross-functional initiatives in support of departmental and business objectives as assigned. Why You'll Love Working Here:-Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.-Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.-People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.-Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates. Why This Opportunity is Exciting:-This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally. About Acara Solutions-Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Sound like a good fit?APPLY TODAY What You'll Bring:-High School Diploma or GED.-4+ years of experience processing payroll in a large, multi-state environment, including pay data entry and data validation. -4+ years of experience with Excel Pivot table -4+ years of experience performing payroll reconciliations, audit support, and payroll data analysis in a complex payroll environment. What Sets You Apart:-Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance. -Intermediate to Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel necessary, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, data validation, filtering, and analysis of large datasets.-Strong Excel skills are essential, as Excel is a primary tool used for payroll reconciliations, audits, reporting, and data analysis. -Strong familiarity with Federal, State and Local withholding and unemployment compliance requirements. -Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). -Experience with ADP Vantage.-Experience with Workday, UKG/Kronos, Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar HCM/payroll platforms. -Self-motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving, decision-making, prioritization, and multitasking abilities. -Experience supporting payroll system implementations, upgrades, integrations, testing, and process improvement initiatives. -Demonstrated ability to lead meetings, facilitate discussions, present findings, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. -Ability to apply payroll best practices and a continuous improvement mindset to enhance operational effectiveness and support business objectives. -Demonstrated interest in leveraging automation, emerging technologies, and AI-enabled tools as part of day-to-day work activities to improve business processes, efficiency, reporting, and decision-making. -Excellent written and verbal communication skills. -Strong team orientation including recognition of the importance of respect, communication, compromise, reliability, knowledge-sharing, and engagement within the team and with other groups. -Demonstrated commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. -Experience with Canadian payroll requirements. Additional Information:-Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check. After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit. The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.