[Hiring] Payroll Analyst @Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Role Description

The detail-oriented and analytical Payroll Analyst with a strong accounting background will support and enhance our payroll operations. This role is responsible for:

• Payroll reconciliations
• Payroll accounting / journal entries
• Process improvement
• Compliance with federal and state regulations
• Supporting system enhancements and testing in Workday
• Payroll accuracy, reconciliation, and accounting integrity within Workday
• Supporting analytics, automation, and emerging AI use cases

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in multi-state payroll processing
• 2 years of experience in analysis, auditing, and process improvement
• 1 year of experience with accounting or financial analysis
• High-School Diploma or GED

Requirements

• 5 years of experience in multi-state payroll processing (preferred)
• 2 years of experience with payroll accounting and journal entries (preferred)
• 2 years of experience with Workday payroll and timekeeping modules in a mid-to-large organization (preferred)
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, business, or related field of study (preferred)
• Certified Payroll Professional (preferred)

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid workforce strategy
• Remote work opportunity within the state of Arizona

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing, Reconciliation & Accounting:
  • Perform detailed payroll account reconciliations, including general ledger entries, variance analysis, and timely resolution of discrepancies
  • Prepare, review, and post payroll-related journal entries in accordance with accounting standards
  • Partner with Accounting/Finance teams to ensure payroll activity is accurately reflected in the general ledger
  • Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes related to payroll
  • Maintain audit-ready payroll records and ensure compliance with internal controls and audit requirements
  • Assist with internal sales processes, data, and calculations
• HRIS (Workday) Support & Testing:
  • Lead testing for Workday payroll and HRIS releases, including regression testing and user acceptance testing (UAT)
  • Document system design and processes for training, reference, and education of payroll staff and employees on processes and system functionality
  • Create, track, and resolve Workday tickets related to payroll issues, enhancements, and system defects
  • Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to ensure system functionality aligns with payroll requirements
• Process Analysis & Improvement:
  • Analyze current payroll processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements and innovative solutions while ensuring adherence to internal controls
  • Evaluate and apply AI‑enabled tools (e.g., Copilot, workflow automation, analytics assistants) to improve payroll reconciliation, audit support, reporting, and operational efficiency
  • Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and internal controls
  • Support implementation of process improvements, automation initiatives, and system enhancements
  • Maintain data integrity processes that need improvement and recommend improvements
  • Setup and maintain Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs); including working with internal and external auditors on process workflows and key audit controls
• Compliance & Legislative Analysis:
  • Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local payroll legislation, including wage and hour laws and tax updates
  • Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on payroll processes and systems
  • Recommend and support implementation of changes to ensure ongoing compliance
  • Partner with HR, Legal, and Finance teams to maintain compliant payroll practices
• Reporting & Data Analysis:
  • Generate, analyze, and interpret payroll reports to ensure accuracy and identify trends or anomalies
  • Maintain/implement custom reports in Workday or other reporting tools to support business needs; audit requests such as 401k, worker’s comp, and internal/external audit requests
  • Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership

Our Commitment

AZ Blue does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected group.

Thank you for your interest in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. For more information on our company, see azblue.com. If interested in this position, please apply.