Sr Payroll Audit Analyst

Work Schedule

Other

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

Location: Pittsburgh, PA (hybrid)

Group/Division Summary

Reporting into Global Business Services, Global Payroll is a critical and evolving function responsible for the accurate pay of over 125,000 employees across the world!

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Sr. Manager, Global Payroll Audit, Controls & Compliance, the Payroll Audit Analyst will possess the experience to efficiently handle and assist Payroll teams in providing data / narratives to internal and external auditors for audit and SOX controls testing purposes, resolve root cause of problems and issues, ensure compliance with local Payroll tax laws, evaluate and improve processes and work across multiple functions.

Key Responsibilities

Audit / SOX and Operational Controls

Partner directly with regional Payroll teams, HR, Finance and business teams to support ongoing compliance through the recurring review of Payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Perform in-depth root cause analysis to resolve cause of repeated escapes to identify gaps, continuous improvement opportunities and initiate corrective actions.

Review corporate policies and procedures according to regulatory requirements to identify and address potential risks.

SOX

Liaise with Payroll teams and internal / external audit during the annual audit / SOX testing cycles.

Evaluate and recommend improvements to Payroll practices, processes, and SOX controls with internal / external customers.

Operational

Assist in developing audit programs and maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding audit tools and techniques.

Assess that operational controls are in place and operating effectively to mitigate risks and ensure that organizational goals / objectives are met.

Evaluate and recommend improvements to Payroll practices, processes, and operational controls with internal / external customers.

Audit Requests

Accountable for the evaluation of complex (and large volume) Payroll data analytics for purposes of fulfilling internal and external audit and / or reporting related requests (as needed).

Service Organization Control (SOC1) Reports

Annually, acquire from Payroll service providers all SOC1 reports.

Review the report’s complementary user entity controls to ensure controls are in place and operating successfully.

Records Retention

​ Assist in maintaining and implementing the Payroll Retention Policy which serves a purpose to: (a) ensure the availability and accessibility of information required for business operations; (b) protect the legal rights of Thermo Fisher Scientific; (c) ensure compliance with customer requirements and federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations; (d) assist with audits, investigations and legal actions; and (e) ensure minimum retention period requirements are met by country. The Policy also attempts to achieve cost savings by reducing the staff, equipment, warehouse and office space for storage of Records that are no longer required for business operations or legal obligations, while promoting the efficient retrieval of information and Records.

Data Privacy Inventory

Ensure compliance with requirement to build, maintain and inventory records of processing activities (ROPA) for the Payroll function and employee personal data (including data that sits on a server or a shelf).

Document all instances where employee’s personal data is processed, why, what is done with it and handled.

Ensure audit files are reviewed and stored in secure departmental repository.

Audit / SOX IT Logical Access Controls (if location is deemed in-scope for SOX):

Audit on a periodic basis, the documented execution of SOX IT Logical access controls related to the Payroll system, in accordance with established standard work.

Ensure all evidence supporting the execution, review and approval of the controls (for internal and external audit purposes), is maintained.

Payroll System Security Matrix Management

For countries which are implementing a new Payroll system:

Collaborate with local Payroll Teams, Project Lead and third party Payroll vendor to develop a detailed payroll system security matrix.

Establish standard user roles, profiles and permissions based on their role within the Payroll organization, while ensuring duties are adequately segregated.

Ensure user access has been reviewed and approved by management prior to launch.

Test security matrix in test environment to ensure roles, profiles and permissions operate as crafted prior to launch.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Owner

Annually (as needed), ensure that SOPs associated with Payroll are kept current with changes to:

Corporate IT Policies and Procedures and that all local SOX (IT) controls are documented (if location is deemed in-scope for SOX) .

Corporate Policies and Procedures and that all local SOX (Finance) controls are documented.

At a minimum, the SOPs should include who leads the control, when and how it is performed, and what evidence will support the control.

Additionally, ensure Payroll Department senior management reviews the SOPs at least annually.

Ad Hoc Projects: Collaborate with the Payroll Team on ad hoc projects, as needed.

Qualifications:

Degree in Accounting / Finance or a professional Accounting qualification

Minimum of 5 years of overall Payroll and/or Accounting, Finance experience coupled with an audit / controls background, preferably in public accounting

Strong understanding of HR, Payroll Accounting and wage and hour laws, tax laws and audit functions and processes

Strong understanding of Microsoft suite of products (i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Strong problem solving and analytical skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to recommend and implement changes, as needed

Experience with Workday and/or ADP preferred

Experience with different ERP systems (SAP, LAWSON, ORACLE etc.)

Language requirements: English (proficient)

Equivalency: Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant work experience may be considered

BENEFITS:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 125,000 outstanding minds have a unique story to tell. Join us and give to our mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer!

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.