Senior Payroll Analyst

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk. 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…