Workday Analyst Jobs in California

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Person or Permanent Resident
Direct Hire, full time permanent position
Hybrid position with potential for fully remote
W2 with full benefits, 9/80 Work Schedule
Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Enterprise Analyst to support Payroll and Time & Absence Management functions within Workday. This role involves managing and optimizing payroll processes, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll operations, and driving continuous improvement across Workday Payroll and related modules.

The ideal candidate will leverage their Workday expertise to meet business and compliance needs, collaborating closely with stakeholders such as Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits, Finance, and IT teams.

Business partnership and strategy

• Partner with Payroll and HR teams to align technology solutions with business and compliance requirements.
• Act as a subject matter expert for Payroll processes and systems, documenting workflows, and serving as a trusted advisor.
• Translate payroll business needs into scalable IT solutions.
• Support merger and acquisition activities by enabling seamless integration of payroll systems, data migration, and alignment of payroll processes across entities.

Business analysis and planning

• Gather and document payroll requirements and process improvements.
• Conduct gap analysis to support automation and digitalization initiatives.
• Support roadmap development for Payroll and Time & Absence systems.

Technology and project management

• Manage payroll-related system enhancements, integrations, and releases.
• Support payroll-related projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with project teams to balance business and enterprise priorities.
• Lead payroll system integration efforts for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring continuity, compliance, and minimal disruption to operations.

Communication and leadership

• Communicates with business leadership to align initiatives with established roadmaps.
• Transfers knowledge to leadership and peers, ensuring common processes across departments.
• Serves as a business SME to prioritize technology projects and direct strategy.

Operational management

• Manage day-to-day operations of Workday Payroll and Time & Absence modules.
• Configure and maintain payroll processes, earnings, deductions, taxes, and compliance rules.
• Ensure payroll processing accuracy, including regular, off-cycle, and year-end payroll activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll system issues.

System implementation and enhancements

• Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, and testing cycles.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.
• Perform configurations, data loads (EIBs), and system validations.

Data integrity and reporting

• Ensure payroll data accuracy and integrity through audits and validations.
• Develop and maintain payroll reports and dashboards.
• Support regulatory and compliance reporting (tax, wage, etc.).

Collaboration and stakeholder management

• Work closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT teams.
• Coordinate with vendors and third-party providers (e.g., tax, payroll interfaces).
• Provide updates to leadership on payroll system performance and initiatives.

Compliance and audit

• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations and internal controls.
• Support audits and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation for payroll processes and configurations.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 8 years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of Workday HRIS modules (Payroll, Absence, HCM etc.).
• Strong experience in Workday Payroll and Time & Absence.
• Hands-on expertise in payroll configuration, processing, and reporting.
• Proven experience as a Sr. Business Analyst in implementing and managing Workday's Hands-on expertise in payroll configuration, processing, and reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and best practices.
• Experience with integrations and data migration.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Workday Payroll certification.
• Experience supporting multi-state or global payroll.
• Experience with payroll integrations (tax vendors, third-party providers).
• Demonstrates keen attention to detail as well as strong analytical, time management and creative problem-solving skills.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).