Position Title: Payroll Analyst

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Payroll Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Compensation: $24 -$38/hour

Position Summary:

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for accurate and timely end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. This role supports the integrity of payroll operations by maintaining accurate employee data, resolving payroll issues, and helping ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.

In addition to core payroll processing responsibilities, this position contributes to the ongoing strength and improvement of the payroll function by identifying process improvement opportunities, supporting system optimization, and delivering a high level of service to employees and internal partners. Serving as a backup to the Payroll Supervisor, this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to build a long-term career in payroll, grow within a collaborative environment, and contribute to the future success and scalability of the payroll function at one of the most respected family-owned companies in the green industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process payroll for a multi-state workforce accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies using ADP Workforce Now and UKG Time & Attendance.
• Review payroll results, reconcile data, and analyze variances prior to final processing.
• Maintain and update payroll records, including hires, transfers, terminations, tax changes, and deductions.
• Collect, validate, and maintain employee payroll data while ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Research and resolve payroll and timekeeping issues with urgency and strong customer service.
• Proactively identify payroll discrepancies, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company policies.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, clarity, and a high level of service.
• Support benefits-related payroll and benefits administration activities as needed.
• Generate and analyze payroll reports to support audits, reconciliations, and data integrity.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation, reconciliations, and related reports.
• Monitor payroll trends, identify recurring issues, and recommend process or system improvements.
• Identify and support opportunities for process improvement, automation, standardization, and system optimization.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and managers to ensure payroll data is accurate and aligned across systems.
• Serve as a subject matter resource and support cross-training and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Provide backup support to the Payroll Supervisor as needed.
• Support additional payroll and operational priorities as needed to meet departmental and business objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience, including supporting a multi-state workforce.
• High School diploma.
• Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate or advanced Excel skills.
• Experience identifying payroll discrepancies and resolving issues accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of processes and drive issues through to resolution.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform well under pressure.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, problem-solving, and detail-oriented skills.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now and UKG is preferred.
• Experience with payroll system upgrades, implementations, or integrations.
• Experience supporting process improvement, automation, or system optimization initiatives.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Karen.
• Demonstrated interest in professional growth within payroll or HR operations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This is an on-site role based in Newport, Minnesota, requiring frequent computer use, extended periods of sitting, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and flexibility to work overtime, including occasional evenings and weekends, during payroll processing cycles.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Bailey Nurseries is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Employment with Bailey Nurseries is at-will and may be terminated at any time by either party, in accordance with applicable law.

If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our HR team.