Workday Payroll Operations Specialist

Workday Payroll Operations Specialist

Washington, DC, Hybrid 3 days

The Workday Payroll Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting the end-to-end processing of payroll within Workday, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across payroll cycles. This role requires a highly detail-oriented professional with strong technical expertise in Workday Payroll, including configuration, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. 

The ideal candidate brings 4–10 years of Workday Payroll experience, a deep understanding of Workday functionality, and the ability to analyze, document, and resolve complex payroll issues in a controlled and compliant environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Support End-to-End Payroll Processing 

• Support the execution of full-cycle payroll processing in Workday, including on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls 

• Validate payroll inputs, calculations, and outputs to ensure accuracy and compliance 

• Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis prior to finalization 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations 

Workday Configuration & Optimization 

• Configure and maintain Workday Payroll components, including earnings, deductions, and taxes 

• Support updates and enhancements to payroll configuration in alignment with business needs 

• Participate in system testing, regression testing, and payroll parallel testing cycles 

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes through system configuration 

Reporting & Data Analysis 

• Develop and maintain Workday reports and dashboards using Report Writer and Calculated Fields 

• Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and operational risks 

• Support audit requests and provide documentation and reporting as needed 

Issue Management & Documentation 

• Utilize Jira to track, manage, and resolve payroll-related issues and system enhancements 

• Clearly document business requirements, root cause analyses, and solutions 

• Translate complex payroll concepts into clear, actionable documentation for stakeholders 

Time Tracking & Absence Management 

• Support and troubleshoot Workday Time Tracking and Absence Management integrations with payroll 

• Ensure accurate flow of time and absence data into payroll processing 

• Partner with HR and business stakeholders to resolve time and absence-related issues 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner closely with HR, Benefits, Compensation, and Finance teams to ensure accurate payroll outcomes 

• Provide payroll subject matter expertise for cross-functional initiatives and projects 

• Support employee inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues in a timely manner 

Qualifications 

Required 

• 4–10 years of payroll experience, including hands-on Workday Payroll experience supporting end-to-end payroll processing, on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis 

• Strong Workday Payroll technical experience, including Report Writer, calculated fields, Time Tracking, Absence Management, payroll configuration, business processes, security roles, and domain access 

• Experience troubleshooting Workday payroll calculation results, payroll input issues, retroactive pay, arrears, overpayments, worker data impacts, and payroll variances across payroll cycles 

• Experience validating Workday payroll integrations and inbound/outbound data files, including error resolution, data mapping, file validation, and coordination with technical or vendor support teams 

• Ability to develop test scenarios, execute payroll regression testing, document results, and validate configuration or system changes prior to production deployment 

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, compliance requirements, audit expectations, and controlled payroll processing practices 

• Advanced analytical and data analysis skills, including Excel or similar tools for large data sets, pivot tables, lookup formulas, data validation, reconciliations, and issue resolution 

• Strong cross-functional collaboration, communication, issue tracking, and documentation skills, including experience working with HR, Benefits, Compensation, Finance, Jira or similar tools, and the ability to clearly document complex concepts and solutions 

Preferred 

• Experience supporting general ledger payroll accounting files, payroll costing, bank files, third-party tax files, or other downstream payroll outputs 

• Knowledge of release management, change control, and production support practices for Workday payroll configuration changes 

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation 

• Workday Payroll Certification 

• Experience supporting payroll audits and SOX controls 

• Experience in a large, complex organization or shared services environment 

Preferred Advanced Technical Skills 

• Experience supporting payroll accounting outputs, including general ledger payroll files, payroll costing, bank files, third-party tax files, and other downstream payroll interfaces 

• Knowledge of Workday release management, change control, production support, and impact assessment practices for payroll configuration changes 

• Experience with mass data loads, EIB uploads, mass payroll input, pre- and post-load reconciliation, exception review, and error correction 

• Understanding of SOX, segregation of duties, audit evidence expectations, production access controls, and documentation standards for payroll system changes 

Work Environment 

• Hybrid work model: In-office presence required 3 days per week 

• Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring strong attention to detail and deadlines 

Key Competencies 

• Attention to detail and accuracy 

• Strong communication and documentation skills 

• Systems thinking and continuous improvement mindset 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment 

• Collaborative and customer-focused approach