Job Description

Senior Payroll Analyst

Do you have experience with payroll tax and knowledge of laws and regulations that affect federal and state taxes and the ability to analyze related statues. Do you enjoy working in a fast paced, collaborative environment where no two days are the same? Join the Division of Finance as a Senior Payroll Analyst!

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $35.00 - $45.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
Recruiter – Victoria Trujillo | victoriatrujillo@utah.gov
Application Deadline – 9/1/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the lead expert on how benefits, retirement contributions, and voluntary deductions impact the gross-to-net payroll calculation.
• Cross-Divisional Liaison: Act as the primary Finance partner to Central HR, collaborating closely with the Benefits and Employee Resource teams to ensure that leaves of absence (FMLA/STD/LTD) and benefit enrollment changes are accurately reflected in pay.
• Agency Support: Provide guidance to Agency Payroll Coordinators on complicated payroll questions that require deep policy interpretation and technical calculation.
• Lifecycle Integrity & Audit: Understand the end-to-end payroll cycle, performing reconciliations, troubleshooting issues, etc. to maintain the integrity of the State’s payroll for 24,000+ employees.
• Advanced Problem Solving: Lead the resolution of the most difficult payroll issues, such as intricate retroactive benefit adjustments, overpayment recoveries, and complex final pay calculations.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure all benefit-related payroll actions comply with federal and state regulations and internal organizational policies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: 5+ years of payroll experience in a large-scale entity (10,000+ employees), with a heavy emphasis on benefits administration within payroll.
• We are looking for a candidate who fits our culture of integrity and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess:
• Aptitude for Learning: The demonstrated ability to read, understand, and apply complex policies and procedures.
• High Attention to Detail: The ability to spot errors, inconsistencies, or deviations from policy in large sets of data or documents.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are critical. You must be able to articulate complex issues clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Resilience and Coachability: The ability to accept constructive feedback on your work and use it to grow professionally.
• Teamwork: A collaborative spirit and the ability to work well with others in a diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business; CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist).
• Expertise: Deep understanding of the payroll lifecycle, including the impact of pre-tax/post-tax benefits, retirement plan limits, and leave-of-absence pay. Experience with third party audits and 401k administration.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in large-scale ERP systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle) and Excel skills for data reconciliation or analysis.
• Aptitude for Learning: The demonstrated ability to read, understand, and apply complex policies and procedures.

Why you should join our team:

• Mentorship: You will work directly under experienced professionals who are dedicated to your development.
• Work-Life Balance: The State of Utah offers a culture that respects your time, with predictable schedules and generous leave, allowing you to enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer.
• Great Benefits: We offer a competitive total compensation package including a comprehensive benefits plan with a retirement contribution (for eligible employees), 401(k) match, affordable health/dental/vision insurance, and paid time off.
• Impact: Your work will help provide the financial stability that 24,000+ public servants rely on to support their families. Your oversight ensures that tax dollars are used efficiently, compliance risks are neutralized, and the bond of trust between the State and its workforce remains beyond reproach.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.

About the Role

Location – Taylorsville State Office Building
4315 S 2700 W
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
The Division of Finance is part of the Department of Government Operations. Our mission is to promote the highest standards of trust and integrity in managing taxpayer funds. We manage the State's financial records, pay the State's bills and employees, and oversee the internal controls that keep the government running honestly and efficiently. We aspire to model excellence in efficient, effective, and ethical financial management practices for the benefit of all Utah citizens. You can read more about the Division of Finance here

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.