Lead Payroll Business Analyst
The Judge Group
Accounting & Finance, IT
Remote
Lead Payroll Business Analyst
Duration: 9+ month contract
Location: REMOTE
About the Role
We’re looking for a Lead Payroll Business Analyst to partner closely with Payroll leadership on audits, compliance, process improvements, and key payroll initiatives. This role plays a critical part in helping Payroll Operations run smoothly by managing projects, supporting audits, analyzing data, and delivering clear, leadership‑ready insights.
The ideal candidate brings deep payroll knowledge, strong analytical and project management skills, and the flexibility to shift priorities as business needs evolve.
What You’ll Do
Payroll Audits, Compliance & Process Improvement
- Support and coordinate payroll audits and compliance activities, including process reviews and control assessments
- Help drive process improvements to increase accuracy, compliance, and scalability
- Support compliance efforts across federal, state, and local regulations
- Document and maintain payroll processes, controls, and SOPs
Project & Initiative Management
- Manage payroll initiatives end‑to‑end, including scope, timelines, risks, and execution
- Partner with Payroll leadership to prioritize work aligned with strategic goals
- Provide hands‑on support across initiatives as priorities shift
Reporting & Leadership Communication
- Create and deliver regular status updates on payroll initiatives, audits, and operational priorities
- Support leadership with presentations, storytelling, and visual reporting
Data Analysis & Decision Support
- Prepare and analyze payroll data for audits, reviews, and decision‑making
- Build and maintain Excel‑based reports, trackers, and tools
- Identify trends, risks, and insights to support leadership decisions
Stakeholder Partnership & Operational Support
- Serve as a payroll knowledge resource during audits, projects, and peak periods
- Partner cross‑functionally with HR, Finance, Tax, Benefits, IT, and vendors
- Assist with invoice tracking and validation
- Flex across payroll workstreams as business needs change
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 6–8 years of payroll experience in a high‑volume, multi‑state environment
- Experience leading payroll audits, process improvements, or cross‑functional initiatives
- Strong working knowledge of payroll systems and operations (ADP preferred)
Skills & Strengths
- Deep understanding of payroll operations and compliance
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
- Clear, confident communicator with leadership‑ready presentation skills
- Process‑improvement mindset with attention to detail
- Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable managing changing priorities
- High level of professionalism and discretion with sensitive information