Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges—and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day—working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. Department Summary: The Payroll Analyst is responsible for the overall preparation, audit, and reconciliation of all information in relation to payroll, benefits and accounting. The Payroll Analyst plays a crucial role in improving payroll operations, providing analysis and recommendations on compliance and efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and contributing to continuous process improvements within the payroll function. Roles & Responsibilities: + Oversee and exercise judgement in the timely and precise execution of all payroll processing activities—including data entry, funding preparation, payroll reconciliations, and report distribution—for a large, multi-state nonprofit organization. + Conduct internal audits and perform detailed reconciliations to identify risks, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accuracy and compliance with payroll data + Extract and verify payroll data from multiple sources, analyzing trends and providing management with recommendations for process improvement and audit readiness + Review and audit timekeeping data at a systems level to ensure organizational compliance and accuracy, rather than only transactional review in preparation for payroll processing. + Interpret and apply state-specific regulations in administering final pay for terminated employees, ensuring compliance with deadlines and legal requirements. + Oversee and respond to state-level unemployment claim inquiries as applicable to payroll specific information, ensuring timely and accurate submission of required documentation. + Audit and validate third-party benefit invoices, ensuring accuracy and coordinating resolution of discrepancies with vendors. + Analyze tax forms, garnishment orders, and other legal forms, providing interpretation and guidance to ensure proper processing in accordance with Federal/State guidelines. + Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including tax laws, wage and hour laws and other payroll-related regulations, and advise management on potential risks and corrective actions. + Respond to inquiries by conducting thorough research and delivering clear, concise resolutions through both written and verbal communication. + Document and assist in the development of new processes and procedures, proactively recommending improvements to enhance payroll governance and efficiency. Basic Qualifications: + Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience. + Understanding of basic accounting principles and/or payroll processing + Strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are essential. + Able to work both independently and within a team environment + Excellent communication skills and service-oriented mindset + This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site Preferred Qualifications: + Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred + Familiarity with payroll/finance systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, Deltek) is a plus This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): None Salary compensation range and midpoint: $71,000 - $88,500 - $106,000 Annual Work Location Type: Hybrid It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email recruitinghelp@mitre.org for general support and collegerecruiting@mitre.org for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here (https://careers.mitre.org/us/en/benefits) . Copyright © 1997-2025, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.