Senor Payroll Systems Analyst

MWE•Washington, DC

4d•$97,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Systems Analyst owns how payroll processes work within Workday, from day-to-day system support to technology-driven improvement initiatives that elevate the payroll function's capabilities. This role configures and automates core payroll functionality in partnership with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders to build standardized, scalable solutions. Working under minimal supervision, this position relies on significant experience and judgment to plan and execute highly complex, technical objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Information Systems, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience
At least five (5) years of payroll systems experience with demonstrated expertise in Workday Payroll configuration
Deep knowledge of payroll calculation logic, tax setup, and Workday system configuration
Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into technical deliverables, driving process improvements through automation, data analysis, and technology, and leading initiatives from concept through deployment
Ability to interpret payroll and tax requirements and translate them into system design and configuration
Strong knowledge of internal controls, auditability, and operational risk considerations in financial processes
Exceptional attention to detail, with strong analytical, mathematical, and root-cause troubleshooting skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences and influence cross-functional stakeholders
Ability to partner effectively across cross functional teams with clear ownership of payroll-specific decisions
Strong documentation and process-design skills
Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
Reliable, high-speed internet connection required

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a law firm is preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Workday Payroll module, including earnings and deduction setup, payroll calculation rules, tax configuration, and payroll-specific business processes
Document payroll system configuration, business rules, and change-control procedures
Lead end-to-end testing and validation of payroll system changes, including Workday releases and configuration updates, to ensure accuracy and compliance of payroll outputs
Resolve system and payroll processing errors through root-cause analysis, implementing constructive and preventative corrective actions
Monitor data integrity across HR, timekeeping, benefits, and other inputs that impact payroll processing
Manage payroll's general ledger mapping and journal entry process, including preparing, reviewing, and posting entries and reconciling banking, payroll, and general ledger data with Accounting and ADP
Prepare and deliver payroll reporting and analysis to support business needs, stakeholder requests, and compliance requirements
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and system functionality through automation, developing scalable solutions that reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and strengthen payroll controls
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic priorities and requirements into solutions that scale
Lead AI adoption within the payroll function, identifying and deploying AI-enabled capabilities both in and out of Workday to streamline payroll processing