What to expect:

The Payroll Associate Analyst supports accurate and timely payroll operations for United Ground Express by performing payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, and ad hoc analyses that strengthen financial accuracy, internal controls, and compliance. This role partners closely with Accounting, HR, and Operations to investigate variances, resolve payroll discrepancies, and deliver clear payroll insights to support business decisions and period-end close.

How you will make an impact:

Payroll Reporting & Analytics

Prepare recurring payroll reports and dashboards (labor cost trends, overtime analysis, headcount/FTE, pay categories, location/cost center reporting).
Perform ad hoc analyses to support business needs, including budget vs. actual labor analysis, seasonal staffing impacts, and operational drivers.
Develop standardized reporting packages for leadership and key stakeholders, translating payroll data into actionable insights.

Reconciliations & Controls

Reconcile payroll-related accounts to the general ledger (wages, taxes, benefits deductions, accruals, and clearing accounts).
Perform payroll register-to-GL reconciliations and investigate variances; document root causes and corrective actions.
Support month-end close activities by preparing schedules, journal entry support, and tie-outs for payroll expenses and liabilities.
Maintain audit-ready workpapers and support internal/external audit requests.

Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support

Research and resolve payroll discrepancies (rate/earnings variances, retro pay impacts, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings) in coordination with HR/Payroll processing partners.
Support inquiries from Finance leadership and site/operations leaders regarding payroll cost drivers and workforce expense variances.
Support inquiries and data requests from HR and from our counterparts at Parent company.
Perform quarter-end and year-end payroll reporting.
Assist with payroll policy and procedure adherence by identifying gaps and recommending improvements.

Process Improvement & Data Quality

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy, reconciliation efficiency, and control discipline.
Maintain documentation (SOPs, desk procedures, reconciliation templates) and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Support payroll system or process changes (testing, validation, parallel runs, report development) as needed.

What you will bring:

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
1.5-2+ years of payroll, accounting, or financial analysis experience with a strong analytical and reconciliation focus.
Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data validation, reconciliation workpapers); ability to manipulate large datasets.
Experience with payroll and/or ERP systems and report extraction.
Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain findings clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

Preferred

Experience supporting multi-location, hourly workforce payroll environments (aviation services, logistics, transportation, or similar).
Knowledge of payroll tax concepts and payroll-related accounting (accruals, liabilities, clearing accounts).
Experience with BI tools (Power BI/Tableau) or advanced Excel modeling.

Location

The successful candidate is expected to live in the Chicago area. This position is Hybrid.

Total Rewards:

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

As a UGE employee you’ll receive the following:

Flight privileges: Our employees and their families can fly anywhere in the world on stand-by across United Airlines’ amazing global network.
Discount Program: 20% off for flight tickets with United Airlines
Vacation, Sick Time, and Floating Holidays
Access to Medical Plan Options including PPO, Dental, Vision, Personal Accident, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability
401(k)
Paid Training
Paid parking or transportation assistance
Participation in the UGE annual incentive plan

ADA Specifications

Requires ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language, both oral and written
Requires ability to use computers and other office equipment
Requires ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time
Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Ability to pass all pre-screening clearances applicable to position qualifications

UGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer

United Ground Express, as an equal opportunity employer, makes hiring decisions based on business needs and the best-qualified candidates available and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of any protected category.