Senior Tax Analyst

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Tax Analyst is responsible for overseeing payroll tax compliance and serving as a subject matter expert on payroll tax matters. This role leads complex tax activities, manages agency relationships and audits, supports regulatory changes, and drives process improvements to ensure accurate and compliant payroll tax operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the accurate calculation, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
• Review and oversee payroll tax filings, including Forms 941, 940, state unemployment returns, and other regulatory filings.
• Manage complex payroll tax issues, tax notices, agency inquiries, and compliance-related escalations.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax reconciliations, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved.
• Act as the primary contact for payroll tax audits and coordinate responses to tax authorities.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation, assess business impact, and support implementation of regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Payroll, Finance, HR, and external vendors to ensure ongoing compliance and resolve tax-related issues.
• Support payroll tax system enhancements, testing, updates, and implementations.
• Oversee year-end tax reporting activities, including W-2s, W-2Cs, and other required filings.
• Identify and implement process improvements, controls, and automation opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Strong understanding of multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Experience with payroll systems and payroll tax software.
• Advanced Excel skills, including reconciliations and data analysis.
• Experience managing payroll tax audits, notices, and agency correspondence.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and act as a trusted payroll tax advisor.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on controls and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of payroll tax compliance experience, preferably in a multi-state or high-volume payroll environment.
• Preferred: CPP certification or equivalent payroll tax qualification.

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.

What to Expect from Our Hiring Process

Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role - more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study - but typically you can expect:

• Application review - we assess your experience and potential
• Initial call - a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
• Skills assessment - tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
• Final interview - meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS

We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.

If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.