Payroll Accounting Analyst

We are Diversified, a global media company that connects, educates, and strengthens business communities through a diverse portfolio of events, digital products, and publications. Our US division, based in Portland, Maine, produces industry-leading conferences, expos, and digital content that drive innovation and growth in the 15+ industries we serve. At Diversified, our culture is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Join us as a Payroll Accounting Analyst on our Accounting team! This is a role that sits at the intersection of precision, compliance, and people. In this position, you will own end-to-end payroll processing for our US, Canadian, and Asia operations, partnering closely with HR and Accounting colleagues to ensure every employee is paid accurately and on time.

If you are someone who takes genuine pride in getting the details right, who thrives in a multi-deadline environment, and who understands that payroll is one of the most trust-sensitive functions in any organization, we want to hear from you! Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and equivalent practical experience are encouraged to apply.

This position is hybrid, based out of Portland, ME, with flexibility built in to support work-life balance. You'll be joining a collaborative, mission-driven organization during a period of meaningful growth and system transformation.

What You'll Do

• Process bi-weekly and monthly pay groups across the US, Canada, and Asia, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all payroll cycles
• Facilitate global payroll for two international subsidiaries in coordination with in-country payroll providers
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries - resolving questions on pay, deductions, and tax withholding with professionalism and care, and supporting new hires through payroll setup and Workday self-service tools
• Balance quarterly federal and multi-state tax returns; manage reconciliation and distribution of US W-2s, Canadian T4s, and Hong Kong 56a/56b filings
• Calculate and reconcile agency remittances for employee deductions; maintain individual payroll records, direct deposit records, and time records
• Post biweekly deductions to the Canadian RRSP account and monitor and post the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) for the HK payroll
• Register new state and local tax agencies; interpret and stay current with federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax regulations, including unemployment rules
• Manage system updates impacting tax regulations and payroll processing; support systems implementation, acquisition, and project work
• Prepare payroll journal entries for the General Ledger and reconcile payroll transactions to support month-end close; maintain GL mapping in the payroll system
• Facilitate quarter and year-end tax close; calculate and process annual SERP payments and communicate with plan participants
• Compile regular and ad hoc payroll reports; maintain payroll calendars, checklists, and procedural documentation in compliance with record retention policies
• Maintain strong vendor relationships with payroll providers and keep current with evolving payroll and tax law changes
• Collaborate with HR on compliance updates and contribute to a positive, engaging employee experience

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of multi-state payroll processing experience, including at least 3 years working directly in Workday Payroll
• Solid working knowledge of multi-state payroll laws and federal tax compliance
• Experience with international payroll coordination (Canada and/or Asia-Pacific a plus)
• Strong GL and accounting fundamentals, with comfort preparing journal entries and supporting month-end close
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Exceptional attention to detail and a genuine commitment to accuracy in a data-sensitive environment
• Clear, professional communicator who can explain payroll topics accessibly to employees at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Ability to manage competing deadlines independently while staying collaborative and approachable
• Bachelor's degree required; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred, or willingness to pursue certification

Why Diversified?

• Work Environment: Let our culture speak for itself.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off programs including vacation, sick leave, and paid family and medical leave.
• Training & Development: From training conferences to professional development seminars, we invest in resources, including LinkedIn Learning for all staff, that empower employees to excel in their careers.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Inclusive benefits beyond traditional healthcare coverage, including no-cost-to-you services. Free access to all employees and their families to a national network of licensed clinical psychologists, interactive self-paced programs, life coaches, and 24/7 support.
• Wellness Benefits: Employees can earn credit towards their health insurance premiums by engaging in our Wellness Program, which supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being through fitness challenges, webinars, and nutrition education.

We are dedicated to creating, promoting, and nurturing a safe and inclusive work environment, and we expect the same from each of our employees. We value diverse talents and welcome individuals with unique backgrounds, working styles, and skillsets. We believe that our differences make us a better team and stronger community by allowing us to make better decisions, be more innovative, and better serve our customers and business partners. We invite you to learn more about us.