Payroll Tax Analyst Lead - Sensitive Profile

Why USAA? At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families. Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful. We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

As a dedicated Payroll Tax Analyst Lead , you will be responsible for providing expert-level guidance on all aspects of payroll taxation in a complex multi-state, multi-entity financial services environment. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, and local tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. The incumbent proactively identifies and mitigates tax risks, leads complex tax-related projects, and supports the business by delivering accurate, timely, and efficient payroll tax solutions. This job profile is designated as a Sensitive Position. Sensitive Positions are those positions in which individuals have the authority and ability to conduct in-scope activities (movement of USAA or Member funds) as defined within the Enterprise Sensitive Positions Mandatory Time-Away Compliance Policy. Employees in Sensitive Positions are required to fulfill a Mandatory Time-Away (MTA) requirement of 10 consecutive business days each calendar year. We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in San Antonio, TX. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Serve as the lead payroll tax subject matter expert, providing guidance and knowledge sharing on payroll tax matters, including wage limits, reciprocity agreements, multi-state withholding, unemployment tax, nonresident taxation, business travelers, expatriates, inbound employees, and fringe benefits. Serve as the escalation point and lead resolution efforts for complex payroll tax issues, audits, compliance matters, tax authority inquiries, and notices, ensuring timely and accurate responses that mitigate organizational risk and avoid penalties and interest. Monitor, interpret, and implement federal, state, and local payroll tax law and regulatory changes, assessing operational impacts and ensuring ongoing compliance across all jurisdictions. Prepare, file, and amend federal, state, and local payroll tax returns and reports, including Forms 941, W-2, and W-2c corrections, utilizing ADP SmartCompliance and Workday. Collaborate with payroll providers and internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, and HR Operations, to ensure accurate tax calculations, deposits, filings, and overall payroll tax compliance. Perform comprehensive reconciliations of payroll tax accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly to maintain financial accuracy and integrity. Establish and maintain company payroll tax registrations and accounts with state and local tax agencies, ensuring appropriate payroll system setup and reporting configurations. Manage and resolve escalated employee payroll tax inquiries, partnering with HR Operations and other stakeholders to drive efficient issue resolution. Lead complex payroll tax audit engagements and examinations from initiation through final resolution, serving as the primary organizational representative with tax authorities, auditors, and executive stakeholders. Communicate with precision, accuracy, professionalism, and confidence to effectively manage risk, defend payroll tax positions, and achieve favorable business outcomes. Lead and execute complex payroll tax projects, including system implementations, process