Configuration Analyst, Workday Payroll

KBR, Inc.•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the HRIS leadership team, this role plays a key part in configuring, supporting, and optimizing the Workday platform across multiple functional areas. While there is a strong emphasis on the Payroll module to support critical payroll operations and compliance requirements, this position also operates as a cross-functional Workday partner, contributing to the ongoing configuration, enhancement, and support of other modules as needed (e.g., HCM, Recruiting, Absence). You will translate payroll and business requirements into scalable Workday solutions, blending technical configuration with functional expertise to ensure accurate payroll execution, maintain data integrity, and drive continuous platform improvement throughout the year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
Workday Pro Certification in Payroll preferred, with a focus in US, UK, and/or AU specific payroll knowledge.
5+ years of experience supporting and configuring Workday, with specific experience in Workday Payroll.
Experience supporting payroll operations, payroll cycles, or payroll system implementations/enhancements.
Strong hands-on experience with Workday Payroll configuration, including earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and tax configurations.
Understanding of payroll processes, compliance requirements, and payroll data structures (e.g., taxes, garnishments, benefits impacts).
Experience supporting payroll cycles, testing cycles (UAT), reconciliations, and issue resolution.
Proficiency with Workday reporting tools to support payroll audits, compliance, and operational reporting.
Familiarity with Workday integrations, particularly those impacting payroll (e.g., benefits vendors, third-party payroll providers, custom integrations).
Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy, compliance, and system reliability.
Ability to translate payroll requirements into system configurations and scalable solutions.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, working across Payroll and other business 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 regulatory changes.

Nice To Haves

Workday Pro Certification in Payroll preferred, with a focus in US, UK, and/or AU specific payroll knowledge.

Responsibilities

Serve as a hands-on configuration expert across Workday, with a strong focus on Payroll—designing, building, and maintaining earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and pay groups in alignment with business and regulatory requirements—while also supporting configuration across Core HCM, Recruiting, Absence, and related modules to ensure cohesive, compliant, and scalable system design aligned with business needs.
Partner with Payroll teams to support payroll processing activities, ensuring system readiness, accuracy, and timely issue resolution.
Partner with Payroll and People teams to design and enhance business processes and system functionality across Workday, ensuring alignment with operational and compliance needs.
Support Workday releases, including impact analysis, payroll-specific testing, and deployment of new functionality.
Develop and maintain payroll reports, audit controls, and data extracts to support compliance, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
Assist with monitoring and troubleshooting payroll-related integrations (e.g., tax agencies, custom integrations for benefit vendors).
Ensure accuracy and consistency of set-up data through audits, reconciliations, and adherence to governance standards.
Partner with Payroll and business teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver effective Workday solutions.
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.
Support adherence to payroll regulations, tax requirements, audit standards, and Workday security protocols.
Plan, coordinate and execute high-volume data loads using EIBs across multiple functional areas.