Payroll Associate Analyst

What to expect: The Payroll Associate Analyst supports accurate and timely payroll operations for United Ground Express by performing payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, and ad hoc analyses that strengthen financial accuracy, internal controls, and compliance. This role partners closely with Accounting, HR, and Operations to investigate variances, resolve payroll discrepancies, and deliver clear payroll insights to support business decisions and period-end close. How you will make an impact: Payroll Reporting & Analytics Prepare recurring payroll reports and dashboards (labor cost trends, overtime analysis, headcount/FTE, pay categories, location/cost center reporting). Perform ad hoc analyses to support business needs, including budget vs. actual labor analysis, seasonal staffing impacts, and operational drivers. Develop standardized reporting packages for leadership and key stakeholders, translating payroll data into actionable insights. Reconciliations & Controls Reconcile payroll-related accounts to the general ledger (wages, taxes, benefits deductions, accruals, and clearing accounts). Perform payroll register-to-GL reconciliations and investigate variances; document root causes and corrective actions. Support month-end close activities by preparing schedules, journal entry support, and tie-outs for payroll expenses and liabilities. Maintain audit-ready workpapers and support internal/external audit requests. Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support Research and resolve payroll discrepancies (rate/earnings variances, retro pay impacts, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings) in coordination with HR/Payroll processing partners. Support inquiries from Finance leadership and site/operations leaders regarding payroll cost drivers and workforce expense variances. Support inquiries and data requests from HR and from our counterparts at Parent company. Perform quarter-end and year-end payroll reporting. Assist with payroll policy and procedure adherence by identifying gaps and recommending improvements. Process Improvement & Data Quality Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy, reconciliation efficiency, and control discipline. Maintain documentation (SOPs, desk procedures, reconciliation templates) and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Support payroll system or process changes (testing, validation, parallel runs, report development) as needed. What you will bring: Required Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience). 1.5-2+ years of payroll, accounting, or financial analysis experience with a strong analytical and reconciliation focus. Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data validation, reconciliation workpapers); ability to manipulate large datasets. Experience with payroll and/or ERP systems and report extraction. Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain findings clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Preferred Experience supporting multi-location, hourly workforce payroll environments (aviation services, logistics, transportation, or similar). Knowledge of payroll tax concepts and payroll-related accounting (accruals, liabilities, clearing accounts). Experience with BI tools (Power BI/Tableau) or advanced Excel modeling. Location The successful candidate is expected to live in the Chicago area. This position is Hybrid. Note: For internal UGE candidates (current UGE Employees), please be sure to attach the Internal Candidate Eligibility Form, filled out by your direct supervisor, to your application. The form can be found on the UGE Talent Acquisition SharePoint Page or by clicking here: Internal_Candidate_Eligibility_Form.2024 Total Rewards: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. As a UGE employee you'll receive the following: Flight privileges: Our employees and their families can fly anywhere in the world on stand-by across United Airlines' amazing global network. Discount Program: 20% off for flight tickets with United Airlines Vacation, Sick Time, and Floating Holidays Access to Medical Plan Options including PPO, Dental, Vision, Personal Accident, and Life Insurance Flexible Spending A