Sr Analyst: Payroll at Vail Resorts in Hybrid, Remote, US

Job description

• The Senior Payroll Analyst plays a key role in supporting the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of payroll processing, payroll tax, and accounting across all U.S. and Canadian entities for the company. This position serves as the senior subject matter expert (SME) for pay processing, payroll tax, accounting, and reporting activities and is responsible for driving compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local regulations, as well as internal controls and SOX requirements.
• This position partners closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors, supports continuous process improvement, policy development, and operational excellence. Drawing on multi-jurisdictional and payroll operations experience, the Senior Payroll Analyst also assists with complex issue resolution, process standardization, and cross-functional initiatives that enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of payroll systems and processes to ensure accurate and timely payroll transactions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to evaluate and improve payroll ERP functionality, case management tools, and related systems.
• Develop and maintain company payroll guidelines, procedures, and documentation by providing subject-matter-expertise
• Provide subject matter expertise on payroll tax matters, including withholding, unemployment, and other employer tax obligations across U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.
• Research, analyze, and help resolve tax discrepancies; support responses to agency inquiries, audits, and notices in a timely and professional manner.
• Analyze and audit payroll results for compliance, accuracy, and reconciliation with finance systems; identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Lead internal project work for continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Support specialized or enterprise-wide projects impacting payroll or other functions, including system enhancements and operational efficiency efforts.
• Serve as a key point of contact and maintain effective working relationships on payroll tax, accounting, and systems-related matters with internal teams including Benefits, Legal, HR Compliance, HRIS, Finance, and HR Business Partners.
• Apply multi-jurisdictional and operational experience to support complex payroll scenarios, data analysis, reporting, and process standardization (including elements of operations support and continuous improvement practices).
• Assist with documentation of procedures, controls, and best practices to strengthen operational consistency and audit readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive payroll experience in a multi-state, multi-entity environment; experience with Canadian payroll is a plus. Experience supporting multi-jurisdictional payroll operations is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and SOX/internal controls.
• Experience with payroll ERP systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP) and case/ticket management platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to complex payroll projects, system initiatives, or process improvement efforts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proficient to intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel (including data analysis and reporting).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Skills

Required

• Case/ticket management platforms

Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans
• The expected Total Compensation for this role is $73,841.00 - $114,000.00 + Annual Bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.