Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst

About the role

This position will play a key role in configuring, supporting, and optimizing the Workday platform across multiple functional areas. The emphasis will be on the payroll module to support critical payroll operations and compliance requirements, operating as a cross-functional Workday partner. The Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst will translate payroll and business requirements into scalable Workday solutions, ensuring accurate payroll execution, maintaining data integrity, and driving continuous platform improvement. Preferably located on site at the Houston Office, but remote work may be considered for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Workday Configuration (Payroll): Design, build, and maintain earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and pay groups in alignment with business and regulatory requirements; support configuration across Core HCM, Recruiting, Absence, and related modules.
• Payroll Cycle Support: Partner with Payroll teams to support payroll processing activities, ensuring system readiness, accuracy, and timely issue resolution.
• Payroll Process / Business Process Optimization: Partner with Payroll and People teams to design and enhance business processes and system functionality across Workday, ensuring alignment with operational and compliance needs.
• System Enhancements & Releases: Support Workday releases, including impact analysis, payroll-specific testing, and deployment of new functionality.
• Reporting & Compliance: Develop and maintain payroll reports, audit controls, and data extracts to support compliance, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
• Integrations Support: Assist with monitoring and troubleshooting payroll-related integrations (e.g., tax agencies, custom integrations for benefit vendors).
• Data Integrity & Audits: Ensure accuracy and consistency of set-up data through audits, reconciliations, and adherence to governance standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Payroll and business teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver effective Workday solutions.
• User Support & Documentation: Manage the Workday Help support queue as Tier 2 support across all functional areas; triage, investigate, and resolve issues with appropriate urgency while providing clear communication to end users; develop and maintain knowledge base documentation and training materials.
• Compliance & Controls: Support adherence to payroll regulations, tax requirements, audit standards, and Workday security protocols.
• Mass Data Loads: Plan, coordinate, and execute high-volume data loads using EIBs across multiple functional areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, data analytics, business administration, or a related field required.
• 8+ years of experience in Compensation, HRIS, IT, or HR technology environments supporting enterprise systems.
• Hands-on experience required in Workday Compensation module.
• Proficient in compensation cycles (e.g., ASR, bonus planning) within Workday or similar systems.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise configuring Workday Compensation, Advanced Compensation, and HCM Modules with deep knowledge of business process frameworks, security model, and reporting; able to independently design, build, and deploy complex configurations.
• Proven track record of delivering scalable Workday solutions, with extensive experience actively configuring and optimizing system functionality across modules.
• Strong understanding of compensation processes (e.g., merit increases, promotions, bonuses, salary structures).
• Workday reporting tools (e.g., Advanced, Matrix, Composite reports) and data analysis experience.
• Expertise supporting Workday releases, testing cycles (UAT), and defect resolution.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy, system reliability, and process improvement.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical configurations and system solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a growing ability to see interdependencies across modules.
• Troubleshoot complex system and data issues and the ability to communicate technical concepts in a business-friendly way.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on Workday functionality and best practices.

Preferred

• Workday Pro Certification(s) in Payroll with a focus in US, UK, and/or AU specific payroll knowledge.