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Payroll Analyst

AT Navan
Navan

Payroll Analyst

Palo Alto, CA

We’re seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior/Payroll Analyst to join our high-performing team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while supporting a rapidly growing organization. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative team, excels at troubleshooting, and is eager to contribute to process improvements.

You will play a pivotal role in day-to-day payroll operations, partnering closely with our People, Finance, Accounting, Legal, Benefits, Stock Administration, and IT teams, as well as external payroll vendors. Your work will ensure accurate and timely pay for employees across the U.S.

Given the fast-paced nature of our business, we’re looking for someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take ownership in the role. This role is based in the Bay Area.

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What You'll Do:

  • Process bi-weekly, multi-state payroll for 1,200+ exempt and non-exempt U.S. employees on Workday Payroll.
  • Manage the full-cycle payroll process, including on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls
  • Audit and reconcile inbound data and integrations to ensure data integrity in payroll systems
  • Handle employee verifications, direct deposits, terminations, garnishments, and tax form processing
  • Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local laws
  • Manage multi-state payroll tax issues and resolve tax notices in partnership with ADP
  • Support tax and regulatory reporting, including quarterly and year-end filings, W-2s, 401(k), and Workers’ Comp audits
  • Assist with government reporting (e.g., census data, unemployment) and compliance audits
  • Support benefit deductions and taxation for health plans, 401(k), and other programs
  • Work cross-functionally to validate payroll data for compensation, bonuses, and other pay adjustments
  • Collect and audit data from Time and Attendance systems, ensuring hours are accurate and compliant
  • Maintain and improve payroll systems, especially Workday and ADP SmartCompliance
  • Audit EIB files and interface results between HRIS and payroll platforms
  • Identify and drive opportunities for automation and process improvements
  • Collaborate on system strategy and enhancements with internal teams and external partners
  • Provide high-quality, timely service to employees
  • Educate employees on payroll processes and resolve inquiries professionally

 

What We’re Looking For:

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in Payroll, Accounting, or Finance roles
• 2+ years of hands-on Workday Payroll experience
• Proficiency with ADP SmartCompliance, Workday HCM, and NetSuite
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas)
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. payroll tax laws and multi-state compliance
• Strong understanding of payroll-related internal controls

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• Business process improvement and automation experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• High ethical standards and the ability to handle sensitive data discreetly
• Experience handling payroll for equity plans (RSU, NSO, ISO)

The posted pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the compensation for this position and is subject to change based on business need. To determine a successful candidate’s starting pay, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including primary work location, an evaluation of the candidate’s skills and experience, market demands, and internal parity.

For roles with on-target-earnings (OTE), the pay range includes both base salary and target incentive compensation. Target incentive compensation for some roles may include a ramping draw period. Compensation is higher for those who exceed targets. Candidates may receive more information from the recruiter.

Pay Range
$63,750$115,000 USD
Client-provided location(s): Palo Alto, CA, USA
Job ID: 6885528
Employment Type: Other