Lead Analyst

Chick-fil-A, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is seeking a Lead Analyst within the Payroll Center of Excellence. The role anchors advanced payroll knowledge and strong compliance oversight across federal, state, and local regulations for multiple entities.

You will partner with Talent, Compensation, Corporate and Payroll Tax teams to drive accuracy and risk mitigation. Hybrid work model combines in-person collaboration (minimum 8–10 days per month) with virtual work, emphasizing careful governance, documentation, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll or accounting.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and reporting.
• Current knowledge of payroll procedures and related laws.
• Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams with HR, Compensation, Corporate, Payroll Tax and Legal functions.
• Partner with HRIS teams on payroll-related issues.
• Ensure tax and unemployment registrations are completed for all entities.
• Document processes and establish control procedures for payroll operations.
• Advise staff with clear, concise information and escalation protocols.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Excel

Oral & written communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

How We Work At Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A, Inc. ('Chick-fil-A' or 'the Company') Staff members play a vital role in achieving our strategic goals by developing their skills, fostering inclusive teamwork, and embracing innovation. All Staff are expected to contribute to a compelling future by inspiring and motivating those around them. Growth and development are essential at Chick-fil-A. We want Staff to seek new perspectives and adopt new methods to drive continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving business needs. Lastly, we ask Staff to seek wisdom, expect the best, accept responsibility, respond with courage, and think others first. Our Flexible Futures Model offers a healthy mix of working in person (currently a minimum of 8-10 days per month) and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community. Overview The Lead Analyst is a key professional role within the Payroll Center of Excellence (Payroll COE) on the Benefits, Payroll & Mobility Solutions team, intended for an individual with advanced payroll knowledge and strong compliance acumen. The Payroll COE provides governance and compliance oversight for Corporate and Related Entities’ payroll, payroll taxes, benefits, wage and hour regulations, time off, and paid leave. This role closely partners with leaders and stakeholders to consult on programs, initiatives, decisions, and communications, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and internal standards. The ideal candidate demonstrates high attention to detail, strong analytical judgement, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate risk to drive work forward with minimal oversight. As a Lead Analyst, the candidate will independently lead complex assignments and contribute to cross-functional work that improves accuracy, consistency, and controls that serve staff and the organization well. Additional Function-Specific

Duties

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to payroll, payroll tax, and benefits across the various employee populations at Chick-fil-A Inc. and its Related Entities
• Stay abreast of payroll-related legislative and regulatory changes and work cross-functionally to identify relevant teams to make necessary changes to systems, policies, and practices
• Provide technical input on cross-functional teams including Talent, Compensation, Corporate and Payroll Tax, and Legal functions
• Collaborate extensively with the HRIS teams on payroll-related issues
• Handle highly confidential and sensitive information in strict accordance with Chick-fil-A, Inc. confidentiality and data security policies

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison with internal tax team to ensure tax and unemployment registrations are completed for states and localities for all entities
• Track and update local withholding and SUI rates in Workday
• Document and maintain detailed written processes and procedures for all payroll desktop and control procedures
• Provide research to direct formalization of processes and policies, decision guides, and escalation protocols
• Serve as a resource for staff members, exhibiting ability to concisely articulate complex information
• Identify areas of payroll compliance that can be enhanced through internal controls, audits, and reporting
• Engage in development activities including department and team meetings, conferences, seminars, and interdepartmental engagement

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Proven experience in payroll or accounting
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, compliance, and reporting
• Current knowledge of payroll procedures and related laws
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly in Excel and PowerPoint
• Extreme attention to detail, strong organization, and process improvement skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, including tact and diplomacy

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Certified Public Accountant
• Certified Payroll Professional or Fundamental Payroll Certification
• Excellent understanding of multi-location payroll and taxes
• Experience in internal controls, auditing, and reporting related to payroll compliance
• Experience with Workday Payroll processing and configuration

• Required Years of Experience 3
• Preferred Years of Experience 4
• Travel Requirements 10%
• Required Level of Education Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Preferred Level of Education Bachelor's Degree
• Required Major/Concentration ACCOUNTING, HUMAN RESOURCES, BUSINESS, OR RELATED FIELD
• Preferred Major/Concentration ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS
• Relocation Assistance Provided No