System Analyst - Workday HCM & Payroll

Position Summary

The Workday HCM / Payroll Analyst is responsible for the strategic administration, configuration, and optimization of Workday HCM, Payroll, and Time & Attendance modules. This role serves as a trusted advisor to HR, Payroll, Finance, and Operations, ensuring accurate employee data, compliant payroll processing, and scalable workforce management solutions. The analyst leads system enhancements, supports complex business requirements, and drives continuous improvement across HR and payroll processes.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Support end-to-end payroll processing, including audits, reconciliations, and post-payroll validation
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax, wage and hour, and reporting requirements
• Maintain and audit employee lifecycle data affecting payroll (hires, job changes, compensation, terminations, leaves of absence)
• Partner with Payroll leadership to resolve escalated issues and implement process improvements

Time & Attendance Management

• Administer and optimize Workday Time Tracking and Time & Attendance functionality, including time calculation rules, schedules, and eligibility
• Configure and maintain time-related business processes, validations, approvals, and exception handling
• Support complex time scenarios such as overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, on-call rules, and holiday pay
• Monitor and resolve time entry discrepancies and exceptions to ensure payroll readiness and accuracy
• Ensure compliance with FLSA and applicable state and local labor laws, including meal and rest break requirements
• Support time tracking for diverse employee populations (hourly, salaried, multi-location)
• Manage and support integrations between Workday and third-party time clocks or workforce management systems
• Develop and maintain time and attendance reports and dashboards for Payroll, HR, and Operations leaders
• Provide training and guidance to managers and employees on time entry, approvals, and self-service functionality

Process Improvement & Strategic Enablement

• Partner with HR, Payroll, and Operations to streamline processes and improve system usability and efficiency
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and scalability within Workday
• Lead or support Workday enhancements, implementations, and optimization initiatives
• Create and maintain system documentation, configuration guides, and standard operating procedures

Integrations & Data Management

• Support, monitor, and troubleshoot integrations between Workday and third-party systems (time, benefits, finance, tax vendors)
• Perform data loads and mass updates using EIBs and other Workday tools
• Collaborate with IT and vendors on integration design, testing, and ongoing support