Thanks for your interest in Success Academy! Running a large, fast-growing, and high-performing network of public charter schools takes a village - families, children, teachers, staff and faculty, advocates, and supporters alike. We are growing fast in New York and expanding to Florida, and we would love to welcome you to our community! We work tirelessly every day to ensure children have access to a fun, rigorous, whole-child education regardless of zip code or economic status. When you join SA, you play a part in giving every student who walks through our doors a fair shot at reaching his or her potential.
About the Role
The Senior Payroll Analyst leads the execution, audit, and continuous improvement of multi-state payroll operations for a complex, diverse workforce. Positioned as a technical lead working alongside payroll associates and reporting into HR and Finance leadership, this senior role serves as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for both ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll platforms. By maintaining rigorous alignment with multi-state tax regulations, driving automated system optimizations, and leading complex cross-functional initiatives, this role safeguards organizational compliance and financial integrity at scale.Key Responsibilities
- Lead multi-state payroll operations: Oversee the end-to-end processing, validation, and execution of complex bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls across all employment types using ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll.
- Drive financial integrity & reconciliations: Direct advanced pre- and post-payroll audits, monthly general ledger account reconciliations, and journal entry preparations to ensure complete data accuracy and compliance with internal controls.
- Architect & optimize system configurations: Serve as the lead SME for ADP and Workday Payroll, driving platform setup, workflow automations, third-party integrations, and system updates to maximize operational efficiency.
- Manage regulatory compliance & audits: Direct multi-state tax compliance, manage quarterly/year-end government filings (including 941s and W-2s), and serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll audits.
- Partner cross-functionally on strategic projects: Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to manage high-level escalations and lead initiatives such as M&A integrations and policy rollouts.
- Mentor team members & establish SOPs: Develop comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain functional documentation, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior payroll team members.
Qualifications
- 7 to 10+ years of progressive multi-state payroll processing and administration experience in complex organizations.
- Advanced hands-on proficiency and administrative experience with ADP Workforce Now.
- Deep functional and technical expertise in Workday Payroll, including system configuration, custom reporting, and integration management.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field required.
Competencies
- Strategic System Ownership: Leverages deep expertise in ADP and Workday to streamline technical workflows, automate manual processes, and architect scalable payroll rules.
- Analytical & Audit Leadership: Applies rigorous detail and systematic problem-solving to uncover complex payroll discrepancies, audit general ledger activity, and ensure financial accuracy.
- Regulatory & Tax Mastery: Maintains authoritative knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations, keeping organizational operations continuously audit-ready.
- Cross-Functional Influence & Mentorship: Builds collaborative relationships with leaders across HR, Finance, and IT while serving as a trusted technical mentor to team members.
Compensation, Benefits, & Perks
At Success Academy, we invest boldly in our Network team with a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being:
- Day-One Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting your first day (SA covers 82% of our core medical plan), plus a free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.
- Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, up to $2,400/year in employer HSA contributions, employer-paid life/disability insurance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
- Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
- Perks & Stipends: A $50/month cellphone stipend ($600/year), pre-tax commuter benefits, backup family care, and performance-based earning incentives.
This is a hybrid position based in our NYC Financial District office, requiring on-site work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Monday and Friday.
Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. This position is not bonus eligible.
Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.
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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.
Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship.
Skills Required
- 7 to 10+ years of progressive multi-state payroll processing and administration experience in complex organizations
- Advanced hands-on proficiency and administrative experience with ADP Workforce Now
- Deep functional and technical expertise in Workday Payroll, including system configuration, custom reporting, and integration management
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
- Certified Payroll Professional designation
Success Academy Charter Schools Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Success Academy Charter Schools and has not been reviewed or approved by Success Academy Charter Schools.
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Affordable Benefits — Health coverage is considered affordable, with the employer paying a large share of medical premiums and offering multiple plan choices with HSA/FSA options. Employer HSA contributions and day-one eligibility in postings further support lower out-of-pocket costs.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid childcare leave for primary caregivers, adoption reimbursement, backup child care, and school lottery preference for employees’ children are highlighted. These offerings add tangible family-friendly value alongside core medical and retirement benefits.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Recruiting materials emphasize significant annual increases, performance incentives, and faster advancement pathways than traditional districts. Some roles also reference year-end bonuses that can accelerate early-career earnings.
Success Academy Charter Schools Insights
What We Do
Since 2006, Success Academy has tackled educational inequities head-on by providing exceptional public education for 20,000 K-12 students in New York City. Our network of over 50 free public charter schools is looking for diverse, ambitious, talented people like you to join our team! Starting on your first day, you’ll receive world-class training and mentorship while working in a collaborative environment with passionate colleagues. As part of the Success Academy team, you will have ample growth opportunities within our network — including leadership roles. Success Academy is seeking candidates from all majors and backgrounds. All interviews are virtual, and a degree in Education is not required to teach. If you graduated or will be graduating with a bachelor's degree between Dec 2023 and Dec 2024, we encourage you to apply! We encourage you to look at our current openings and consider applying.
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