HR Senior Payroll Analyst

About the Role:The HR Senior Payroll Analyst is an advanced individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for complex payroll operations, compliance and oversight. This role will lead complex payroll activities; influencing cross-functional processes and acts as an escalation point.

• Leads payroll validation, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness of payroll processing.

• Makes decisions on complex or high-risk payroll issues; escalates only when necessary.

• Leads reconciliation strategy and ensures audit-ready balances and controls.

• Serves as SME on payroll regulations, garnishments, and multi-state compliance.

• Leads resolution of escalated/high-risk issues; performs root cause analysis and prevention.

• Designs and interprets complex reporting; delivers insights to leadership and partners.

• Leads system enhancements, testing strategy, and payroll process optimization.

• Leads audit support and ensures strong internal controls and readiness.

• Influences decisions across HR, Finance, HRIS, and vendors.

• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.

• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.

• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.

• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.

• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.

• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.

• Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”

• May perform other duties as assigned.

About You:

• High School Diploma required.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, human resources, or related field preferred.

• 5+ years Payroll experience including complex/multi-state payroll required.

• Prior mentoring or informal leadership experience preferred.

• Advanced expertise in payroll systems, operations, and regulatory environments.  

• Strong project leadership and change management capabilities.

• Advanced analytical, reporting, and spreadsheet or data skills.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions across HR, Finance, and business partners.

• Strong judgement, initiative, and ability to work independently on highly complex issues.

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred.

The pay range for this role is $85,000.00 to $110,000.00

The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).

Our Benefits:

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.

We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.