Lead Payroll Analyst

Ready to take your payroll career beyond day-to-day operations? This role is designed for professionals who thrive on analysis, problem-solving, compliance, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy leveraging payroll data, identifying trends, solving complex challenges, and improving processes, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a broader impact across payroll operations

The Lead Payroll Analyst is responsible for supporting payroll operations through compliance reporting, auditing, analytics, and process improvement initiatives. This position helps ensure accurate and compliant payroll practices, develops reporting and key performance metrics, and collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, and other stakeholders to strengthen payroll processes, internal controls, and employee support services at St. Jude.
This position may be eligible for remote work. However, St. Jude requires all remote employees to:

-
Travel to our Memphis campus for the interview process and/or orientation, if selected

-
Travel to Memphis to work on-site for one week per quarter, or as requested based on business needs, if hired.

By applying, you acknowledge and agree to these travel requirements as a condition of employment.

This position is remote within approved U.S. locations. Due to state-specific employment regulations, we are unable to consider applicants currently residing in California for remote work; however, candidates based in California who are willing to relocate to an approved location may be considered.
Job Description

- Oversee coordination of the annual Internal Controls and Financial Statement audits performed by external auditors by preparing audit schedules at varying levels.

- Reconcile and analyze complex accounts in compliance with departmental policy while adhering to established deadlines.

- Prepare and maintain clear and detailed supporting documentation and financial statements.

- Coordinate proactively with cross-functional teams (e.g., principal investigators, research groups, other departments) to prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

- Track key metrics for own area, oversee reporting/ dashboards, and highlight issues or gaps to senior management.

- Participate in development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve efficiency for own area (e.g., payroll, accounts payable, travel processes).

- (People Managers only) Mentor team members to allow for skill/knowledge development through advice, coaching, and training opportunities.

- Ensures payroll compliance by preparing required federal, state, and local filings, managing payroll-related legal requests, evaluating tax implications, and supporting audits, recoveries, and risk mitigation activities.

- Performs payroll auditing and analysis by monitoring payroll variances, researching and resolving discrepancies, coordinating internal and external audits, and supporting key financial reconciliations.

- Drives process improvement and reporting through payroll metrics, dashboards, workflow enhancements, employee self-service initiatives, industry benchmarking, and participation in cross-functional projects to improve efficiency and service delivery.

- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

- Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

- Bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, finance, or related field of study required.

- Master's degree preferred

Minimum Experience:

- Minimum Requirement: 5+ years of accounting experience working wit