Senior Payroll Analyst

Position Overview

At Okta, we are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented, and analytical Senior Payroll Analyst to join our Americas Payroll team. In this role, you will play a critical part in executing accurate, compliant, and timely semi-monthly payroll operations across multi-state US jurisdictions for over 5,000+ employees, with opportunities to support broader AMER entities (e.g., Canada, Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay).

As a subject matter expert in payroll processing, multi-state tax compliance, and benefit/equity reconciliations, you will drive operational excellence, implement workflow automations, and deliver white-glove support to our growing employee base.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• End-to-End Payroll Operations: Own and execute complex bi-weekly multi-state US payroll cycles, ensuring accurate calculations for base salary, variable compensation (sales commissions, bonuses), retro adjustments, and termination payouts.
• Equity & Off-Cycle Administration: Partner closely with Stock Administration and Accounting to process and reconcile equity-related transactions (RSUs, ESPP, NQSOs) and manage off-cycle payroll runs.
• Benefits, Deductions & Garnishments: Oversee compliance and execution of specialized deductions, including 401(k) contributions/match audits, FSA/HSA, wage garnishments, and taxable fringe benefits.
• Tax & Statutory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations. Manage multi-state tax setups, resolve tax agency notices, and support year-end W-2 reconciliation and reporting.
• Internal Controls & Audits: Execute rigorous pre- and post-payroll audit procedures in compliance with SOX controls, internal accounting policies, and external financial audit requirements.
• Process Automation & Efficiency: Identify opportunities to optimize workflows; develop and maintain automated reporting and reconciliation models using advanced Excel and data tools (e.g., Alteryx, Workday EIBs).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Support: Serve as a Tier-2 escalation point for employee inquiries submitted via ServiceNow. Collaborate cross-functionally with People Operations, Total Rewards, HR Business Partners, and Corporate Accounting.

What You’ll Bring (Qualifications & Experience)

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive, end-to-end multi-state US payroll experience, ideally within a high-growth SaaS, tech, or large public enterprise environment.
• Technical & System Expertise:
• Advanced proficiency with Workday Payroll and Workday HCM.
• Deep experience with payroll vendor reporting tools, ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow), and time-tracking systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, nested logic, pivot tables). Experience with Alteryx or other automation tools is a strong plus.
• Payroll & Tax Knowledge: In-depth understanding of US labor laws, FLSA classifications, multi-state withholding, reciprocal agreements, and payroll accounting principles (GL mapping, accruals, account reconciliations).
• Problem Solving & Autonomy: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to independently investigate payroll discrepancies, reconcile large datasets, and handle ambiguous scenarios.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly explain complex compensation and tax matters to employees and leadership.
• Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent payroll accreditation is preferred.

Why Join Okta’s Americas Payroll Team?

• Be part of a collaborative, high-impact finance and accounting organization that values innovation, automation, and continuous learning.
• Enjoy competitive total compensation, comprehensive health and retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching and ESPP), and flexible remote work flexibility.

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