Applications Analyst - Payroll Technical Specialist

About the role

As an Applications Analyst – Payroll Technical Specialist at Zekeman Industries, you will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across U.S. and Canadian operations. This position is responsible for the administration, optimization, and support of UKG and Workday payroll systems supporting both union and non-union employees. This is a hybrid position from our Chicago, IL office.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain UKG and Workday payroll systems supporting U.S. and Canadian union and non-union operations.
• Ensure seamless integration between time and attendance, HRIS, and payroll modules.
• Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot inbound and outbound UKG integrations to ensure accurate and secure data exchange.
• Resolve payroll system and integration issues proactively to minimize business disruption.
• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and plant leadership to implement system changes, union contract updates, and process improvements.
• Provide technical and functional support to payroll, HR teams, and plant payroll contacts.
• Lead configuration, testing, and deployment of payroll system enhancements and integrations.
• Generate, analyze, and distribute payroll reporting for compliance, audits, management, and union-specific requirements.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills to perform reconciliations, data analysis, and payroll reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver payroll system documentation and end-user training.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, system upgrades, and best practices to drive automation and efficiency.
• Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy.

Requirements

• 3+ years of direct payroll experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience administering UKG and Workday Payroll systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of UKG payroll configuration, integrations, troubleshooting, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of Boomi or other enterprise integration platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex data analysis and reconciliations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply union contract payroll provisions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills with the ability to support non-technical users.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional payroll or HRIS certifications such as CPP, Workday Pro, or UKG Pro preferred.

Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada with the ability to travel between countries as needed.

Skills

• UKG and Workday Payroll systems administration and configuration.
• Integration and troubleshooting expertise.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and payroll reporting.
• Union contract payroll interpretation and application.
• Technical and functional support delivery.
• System enhancement and deployment leadership.

Benefits

Zekeman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more.