Payroll Leave Analyst

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Payroll Leave Analyst is a specialized role responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payment processing related to employee leaves of absence. This individual works closely with the Payroll, Benefits, and People Operations teams, possessing exceptional analytical, auditing, and mathematical skills to manage complex leave calculations and top-off payments. They are adept at deep diving into reports, identifying trends, and proactively flagging potential discrepancies or compliance issues. Excellent communication skills are essential for resolving employee inquiries related to leave pay and collaborating effectively with stakeholders. They also partner with the Senior Payroll Analyst to streamline leave payroll processes and ensure seamless integration with overall payroll operations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• 4+ years of multi-state or multi-site payroll experience, with a significant portion dedicated to leave of absence pay administration.
• Proficiency with cloud-based payroll software (preferably Workday or Rippling) and experience with HRIS/Benefits administration platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state leave laws (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, state-specific paid leave laws) and their direct impact on payroll calculations and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of general payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax compliance.
• Exceptional mathematical and analytical aptitude for complex calculations, including leave top-offs, pro-rations, and benefit deductions during leave periods.
• Proven meticulous auditing skills with a keen eye for detail, capable of deep diving into large datasets to identify patterns and anomalies.
• Demonstrated ability to identify trends, analyze data, and proactively flag potential compliance risks or process inefficiencies.
• Ability to manage a fluctuating workload of high and low intensity, especially during peak leave processing periods.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, particularly in reconciling complex leave-related discrepancies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex leave pay scenarios clearly to employees and collaborate effectively with Benefits, HR, and Finance.
• Familiarity with FLSA, federal, state, and local wage and hour, and tax regulations as they apply to leave payments.
• Experience in a payroll/benefits hybrid role, specifically with leave of absence administration and pay calculations, is highly preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Accurately calculate and process payments related to all types of employee leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, PFL, STD, LTD, company leave policies, top-offs), ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Own the end-to-end payroll processing cycle specifically for leave-related payments and adjustments for all employee types (salaried and hourly).
• Perform meticulous reconciliation of leave-related payroll records, benefits deductions during leave, and resolve any discrepancies with a high degree of accuracy and urgency.
• Deep dive into payroll and leave reports to analyze data, identify trends, and proactively flag potential overpayments, underpayments, or compliance issues.
• Maintain strict compliance with all federal, state, and local leave laws (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, paid leave acts), wage and hour regulations, and tax implications related to leave payments.
• Serve as a primary liaison with the Benefits department to ensure accurate data transfer, proper categorization of leave types, and correct calculation of leave pay, including integration with benefits deductions.
• Partner with HR and Finance for accurate data transfer, general ledger reconciliation, and integrated payroll management specifically for leave-related entries.
• Ensure accurate final wage calculations for terminated employees, considering any outstanding leave payments, deductions, or adjustments in compliance with state laws.
• Identify opportunities to optimize leave payroll processes, enhance data integrity, and improve the overall employee leave pay experience.
• Develop, update, and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for leave payroll calculations, processing, reconciliation, and auditing.
• Resolve complex employee inquiries related to leave of absence payments, deductions, and policies promptly and professionally, providing clear and empathetic communication.
• Handle special projects related to leave administration, system enhancements, and other duties as assigned by management.