Payroll Analyst

Role Overview

CarGurus is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Payroll Analyst to join our People & Talent team. In this role, you'll support the launch and ongoing operations of both bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles. This position plays a key part in ensuring that employees across the U.S. and internationally (UK, Ireland, and Canada) are paid accurately and on time.

The Payroll Analyst will also be responsible for generating recurring reports, supporting annual payroll projects, and partnering with Accounting on journal entries. Our Payroll team also leads commission and bonus payrolls, manages benefit accruals, and ensures compliance across all payroll processes.

What You’ll Do

• Support end-to-end payroll processing across multiple countries (U.S., UK, Ireland, and Canada).
• Collect and validate payroll data across departments and teams.
• Input and maintain payroll data within Workday HRIS.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping of payroll transactions and documentation.
• Manage payroll workflows to ensure timely and precise processing.
• Maintain employee tax allocations in Workday.
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate results post-processing.
• Ensure employee hours are submitted and approved accurately in Workday.
• Assist with payroll amendments and year-end reporting (W-2s, W-2cs, 1095-Cs).
• Build and maintain ad hoc payroll and financial reports
• Process off-cycle and manual payments as needed.
• Manage the payroll inbox and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Complete employment verification requests.
• Support the Payroll Manager with daily operations and issue resolution.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits.
• Collaborate with the People Operations team on special projects.
• Support payroll-related equity transactions.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• 3–4 years of hands-on experience processing multi-state and multi-cycle payrolls.
• Solid understanding of payroll best practices and compliance standards.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax regulations, fringe benefits, employee benefits, and equity compensation.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Proficiency with Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using Workday HRIS for payroll processing.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential data.
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Understanding of FLSA regulations and record-keeping requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree required.