Sr Payroll Analyst - US & Canada

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.
If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.
Skills and Competencies
3+ years of experience in payroll operations, with exposure to U.S. and/or Canadian payroll regulations, tax compliance, and labor laws
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy in high-volume, deadline-driven environments
Experience working with third-party payroll vendors to ensure timely and compliant payroll processing
Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with ADP or similar HRIS/payroll systems is preferred
Good communication skills (written and verbal) in English to collaborate effectively with North America-based teams and vendors
Ability to manage confidential information with a high degree of integrity and discretion
Basic understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, with curiosity and enthusiasm for learning how AI tools can be used to improve processes and drive efficiency. Interest in exploring AI systems and a willingness to develop awareness of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Responsibilities
Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for US and Canada employees in partnership with a third-party vendor.
Partner with the external payroll provider to review, audit, and validate payroll inputs and outputs, ensuring compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local laws.
Reconcile payroll reports, earnings, deductions, and tax withholdings, identifying and resolving discrepancies proactively.
Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to process off-cycle payments, terminations, retroactive adjustments, and year-end activities.
Support internal and external audits by providing payroll-related documentation and ensuring adherence to company policies and SOX controls.
Maintain and update employee records in the payroll system, ensuring data integrity between payroll and HRIS platforms.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and contribute to payroll process optimization and automation initiatives.
Provide excellent customer service by responding to employee inquiries related to payroll in a timely and professional manner.
About the team
Our Global Payroll team is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees across multiple countries. By joining our team, you will:
Help ensure employees are paid correctly and on time, a foundational part of employee experience.
Contribute to improving global payroll processes and controls in a growing, fast-paced, and highly regulated environment.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners across Finance, HR, Legal, and external vendors to support payroll operations in North America and beyond.
Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.
Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.