Senior Workday Systems Analyst, Payroll
About The Position
The Senior Workday Analyst serves as a senior functional expert responsible for configuring, supporting, optimizing, and continuously improving Workday Payroll, and provides backup support for Workday Time Tracking configuration and related processes. The role works closely with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, and IT partners to lead system enhancements, implement new functionality, support payroll operations, and meet compliance requirements. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is the University of Pennsylvania’s central IT organization. Its 300-plus employees provide core technology infrastructure and services, working with Penn’s schools and centers to deliver and support products that help them operate effectively. ISC emphasizes customer service and reliable, cost-effective implementation of modern IT solutions while supporting departmental autonomy and the University’s mission.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 3 years of hands-on functional experience with Workday or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Demonstrated expertise supporting two or more Workday modules, preferably in a higher education environment.
- Strong understanding of payroll functionality, U.S. payroll tax regulations, and applicable taxing requirements.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to translate business requirements into effective system solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and drive initiatives through completion.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships with stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with the University of Pennsylvania’s accounting structure and financial processes.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the functional co-lead for the Workday Payroll module, overseeing end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and ongoing optimization.
- Provide backup functional support for the Workday Time Tracking module.
- Partner with the Payroll Office, Workday functional leads, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and enhanced use of Workday functionality.
- Analyze business requirements and translate them into system configurations, business processes, reports, and functional solutions.
- Configure and maintain payroll-related business processes, earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, tax setups, audits, validations, and integrations supporting U.S. payroll operations.
- Configure and maintain payroll account posting rules and support accurate recording and reconciliation of payroll liabilities within the University’s accounting structure.
- Design, develop, and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and analytics using Workday reporting tools.
- Support payroll processing by executing audit reports, troubleshooting system and processing issues, conducting root-cause analyses, and implementing sustainable solutions.
- Lead functional testing for payroll enhancements, tax updates, regulatory changes, integrations, and Workday biannual releases.
- Ensure Workday Payroll configurations and processes comply with applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations, as well as University policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
- Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
- Substantial time away from work during the year.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
- Professional and personal development resources.
- Access to University resources, including libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
- Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and other goods and services.
- Flexible work options and hours.
- Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia, for closing costs or home improvements.
- Adoption expense reimbursement for eligible qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
