Associate Payroll Analyst

The Associate Payroll Analyst is responsible for supporting accurate and timely payroll operations in a complex, multi-state, and global environment. This is an exempt role that emphasizes data analysis, issue resolution, and internal stakeholder support. The ideal candidate will bring foundational payroll experience and a proactive, analytical mindset to help drive process improvements and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

This position is not hybrid/remote and will be located at our Hinckley Parkway building in Cleveland, OH.

Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and internal policies. Analyze and process complex transactions such as multi-state taxation, incentive payouts, equity payouts, retroactive adjustments, and year-end reconciliations.
• Maintain and audit payroll data for accuracy. Analyze error reports, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions. Collaborate with upstream/downstream system owners to ensure data integrity and proper tax configurations.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll issues, including overpayments, retroactive adjustments, and tax discrepancies. Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support onboarding and training of new payroll team members. Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reflect current processes and best practices.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for assigned payroll functions. Provide high-quality support to internal departments via ServiceNow, ensuring timely resolution of escalated cases and fostering strong cross-functional relationships.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement enhancements that improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• High School diploma with 2+ years of working experience
• 2+ years of Payroll experience in multi-state in high volume environment
• 6+ months of Sherwin-Williams payroll experience
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future for employment visa status
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• In-depth understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles.
• Experience with payroll software and systems, including experience with advanced features

• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in payroll calculations

• Experience analyzing complex payroll issues and develop solutions
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive payroll information
• Experience explaining payroll concepts to non-payroll stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build relationships across departments.

• Advanced data auditing and analysis skills

• Intermediate skillset in Microsoft Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas) and comfort working with large datasets.

• A demonstrated understanding of all aspects of payroll processes and related systems; including, but not limited to, benefits, taxes, and time and attendance collection.

• The ability to review regulatory publications, understand technical terminology and easily determine the effect pending and/or newly enacted legislation will have on current Department procedures.

• Analytical reporting skills

Preferred:

• Project management experience
• Ceridian Dayforce system experience
• Additional language skills would be an advantage
• Experience working for a global and diverse company
• Experience with ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow) and HRIS/HCM platforms.