Sr. Analyst II, Payroll
Chicago, IL, US, 60610
Job Summary
The Sr. Analyst II, Payroll is responsible for overseeing and executing complex payroll processes across a multi-state, multi-entity cannabis organization that includes both hourly and union-represented employees. This position ensures timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing using SAP HCM and SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP). The Sr. Analyst II serves as a subject matter expert in payroll operations, wage and hour compliance, union contract administration, and system optimization. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, Labor Relations, and Compliance to uphold payroll integrity and support organizational growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Execute full-cycle payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and union-represented employees across multiple states using SAP HCM and SAP ECP.
- Ensure payroll accuracy in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including union dues deductions, shift differentials, premiums, and special pay rules.
- Administer and audit multi-state payroll tax setups, garnishments, and wage orders to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
- Reconcile payroll results, identify discrepancies, and perform corrective actions to maintain data integrity.
- Collaborate with HRIS and third party payroll vendor team to troubleshoot SAP configuration issues, validate system updates, and improve automation within HCM/ECP.
- Support the integration and harmonization of payroll processes during M&A activities, ensuring smooth transition and system alignment.
- Partner with Labor Relations and HR Business Partners to interpret union contracts and ensure accurate application of pay rules and benefit contributions.
- Coordinate with Finance to reconcile payroll liabilities, GL accounts, and quarterly/year-end tax reporting.
- Maintain and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with internal controls and audit requirements.
- Manage complex employee inquiries with a focus on problem resolution, accuracy, and confidentiality.
- Participate in or lead projects focused on process improvement, system enhancements, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure accurate and timely delivery of all payroll reports, filings, and regulatory submissions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or equivalent work experience.
- 5–7 years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment, with at least 3 years utilizing SAP HCM, SAP ECP, or equivalent enterprise payroll systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle, ADP GlobalView, or UKG).
- Experience processing payroll for union-represented and hourly employees strongly preferred.
- Proven experience supporting M&A transactions and payroll system integrations.
- Demonstrated understanding of collective bargaining agreements, wage and hour laws, and payroll taxation.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with a focus on process improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- High level of integrity and strict adherence to confidentiality and data privacy standards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead through influence and cross-functional collaboration.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing change.
- Solid project management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Process-driven with strong documentation and audit discipline.
- Effective consultative approach and interpersonal communication skills, capable of working across all organizational levels.
What We Offer
Verano Base Pay Range: $75,000 - $95,000
Actual pay is based on experience, qualifications, and location of the role. Roles may be eligible for annual bonus program based on individual and company.
Physical and Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 10 lb. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
Working Environment
Work is performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago