Lead Payroll Analyst

• Support payroll operations through compliance reporting, auditing, analytics, and process improvement initiatives
• Coordinate annual Internal Controls and Financial Statement audits performed by external auditors
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and financial statements
• Reconcile and analyze complex accounts while meeting established deadlines
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
• Track key metrics, oversee reporting and dashboards, and highlight issues or gaps to senior management
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve efficiency
• Mentor team members through advice, coaching, and training opportunities when applicable
• Prepare federal, state, and local payroll filings and manage payroll-related legal requests
• Evaluate tax implications and support audits, recoveries, and risk mitigation activities
• Monitor payroll variances, research and resolve discrepancies, coordinate audits, and support financial reconciliations
• Drive payroll metrics, dashboards, workflow enhancements, employee self-service initiatives, benchmarking, and cross-functional projects
• Develop and analyze payroll audit reports and assist accountants with key account reconciliations in Black Line
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Participate in performance management processes, including Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, finance, or related field of study required
• 5+ years of accounting experience working with a general ledger and related financial information systems
• Experience with accounting standards and regulations (e.g., IRS, US GAAP, Uniform Guidance, hospital regulations) within specific area
• Experience working with cross-functional teams
• Proven performance in earlier role
• Experience supporting payroll operations, compliance reporting, auditing, and payroll-related analysis
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and reporting requirements
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting skills
• Experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, dashboards, KPIs, and operational reporting tools
• Experience working in complex payroll environments
• Workday Payroll/Time Tracking experience and ability to handle confidential information preferred
• Experience in healthcare, charitable organizations, higher education, or other complex, multi-state payroll environments strongly preferred
• Familiarity with leave administration, employee self-service tools, and payroll-related process improvement initiatives desired
• Professional certification such as FPC or CPP preferred
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance
• Ability to adhere to policies and deliver quality work while applying St. Jude values and principles

Demonstrates expertise in payroll operations, compliance reporting, and auditing, with a strong focus on process improvement and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in payroll systems and regulations, with advanced analytical skills to support financial reconciliations and reporting.

• Payroll Operations Support
• Compliance Reporting
• Advanced Excel Skills
• Workday Payroll Experience
• Accounting Standards Knowledge

• Accounting
• Auditing
• Financial Analysis
• Payroll Reporting
• General Ledger Management
• Tax Implications Evaluation
• Process Improvement
• KPI Tracking
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Account Reconciliation

• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Communication

• FPC
• CPP

• IRS Regulations
• US GAAP
• Uniform Guidance
• Healthcare Payroll
• Multi-State Payroll

• HRIS Platforms
• Dashboards
• Operational Reporting Tools
• Black Line
• Employee Self-Service Tools