Job Description

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for multiple operating companies while also providing financial analysis and accounting support to internal departments. The Payroll Analyst will be responsible for payroll operations, reconciliations, variance reporting, and process improvements that contribute to overall efficiency and accuracy in HNI's financial operations.
This position is ideal for someone with a strong accounting foundation who enjoys both analytical and operational responsibilities--balancing payroll execution with budgeting, variance analysis, and financial process improvement initiatives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Payroll Administration

• Process weekly and biweekly payrolls for multiple business units, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain employee payroll records, manage changes, and ensure data integrity across payroll and HR systems.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, garnishment orders, tax regulations, and other payroll-related legislation.
• Reconcile payroll accounts weekly and monthly, ensuring accurate postings to the general ledger.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers, and auditors in a timely and professional manner.
• Partner with HR and Finance to support payroll audits, tax filings, and system testing for upgrades or changes.

Financial Analysis & Accounting Support

• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual budgeting processes, including expense forecasting and project accounting for payroll and IT cost centers.
• Prepare and review journal entries, accounting transactions, and account reconciliations to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Conduct variance analyses comparing actual results to budget and prior periods, identifying key drivers and recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting teams to improve reporting processes and financial data accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and control in accounting and payroll workflows.

Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Establish and maintain payroll performance metrics to monitor accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and system enhancements within payroll and financial operations.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and IT to streamline data flows between payroll and related systems.
• Contribute to special projects and audits related to payroll, accounting, or system implementations.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (with accounting or finance emphasis).
• 2-4 years of experience in payroll processing and operational accounting.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll using platforms such as ADP or Workday.
• Working knowledge of payroll compliance, taxes, and reporting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) within an accounting environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with general ledger or ERP systems (Oracle preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience with Kronos Timekeeping or Oracle Financials.
• Prior experience supporting budgeting or variance analysis processes.
• Exposure to multi-entity or multi-state payroll environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and payroll processes.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret and explain financial data.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and compliance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and financial systems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-service mindset with a focus on accuracy and reliability.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• Analytical thinker who takes initiative to improve processes.
• Collaborative team player who builds trust and communicates clearly.
• Integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive payroll and financial data.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Skills Required