We are looking for a Senior Payroll Analyst with deep expertise in Workday Payroll to support the implementation, administration, and ongoing optimization of payroll operations through cloud-based HR technology. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliant, accurate, and efficient payroll processing and reporting. The ideal candidate will have experience working in collaborative environments with stakeholders across Finance, HR, and IT to maintain the integrity of payroll data and improve system functionality.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead or participate in the implementation and configuration of Workday Payroll systems, including pay groups, deduction/earning codes, year-end processing, and time calculation rules
• Analyze data workflows and ensure payroll data integrity, supporting audits and identifying process or system issues to resolve proactively
• Generate and analyze reports using Workday to provide insights into payroll operations, compliance, tax deductions, and financial audits
• Design and support custom reporting solutions to meet internal department needs and leadership requests
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Finance, HR Technology, and IT to support and continuously enhance payroll system functionality
• Manage or support projects related to system upgrades, testing, and rollout of new payroll-related features
• Assist with mapping data and defining business rules to support integrations between timekeeping systems and payroll processing
• Serve as a subject matter expert for day-to-day payroll system operations, handling escalations, reconciliations, and customer service-related inquiries from internal stakeholders
• Research and recommend system enhancements and best practices aligned with industry and platform-specific updates

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR Information Systems, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll systems, including multi-state payroll processing
• At least 3 years of experience working directly with Workday Payroll, including system setup and configuration
• Proficient with business process design, system testing, and troubleshooting within a payroll environment
• Familiarity with HCM ecosystems, especially with timekeeping and HR/payroll integrations
• Ability to support compliance, reporting, and audit processes related to payroll

Key Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of payroll procedures, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Strong reporting and analysis skills with attention to data accuracy and business context
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, and formula creation)
• Effective communicator with strong written and verbal presentation skills
• Comfortable working in cross-functional teams and in environments with shifting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and the ability to independently resolve complex issues
• Enthusiastic about continuous learning, process improvement, and adapting to new technologies
• Comfortable presenting or leading small group training or project sessions
• Open to feedback, collaborative problem-solving, and embracing operational change

This position is ideal for professionals looking to apply both payroll expertise and Workday technical skills in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. If you're excited by the challenge of managing enterprise payroll systems and making data-driven improvements, this opportunity could be a strong fit.