Workday Payroll Processing Lead

Ensign Services • San Juan Capistrano, CA

1d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Workday Payroll Processing Lead is responsible for leading and executing accurate, timely payroll processing for a complex, multi‑state workforce in a service center environment. This role coordinates payroll activities across the payroll team, serves as a subject matter expert, and ensures compliance with company policies and payroll regulations.

You’ll play a key role in improving payroll efficiency, supporting payroll operations, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to help scale and strengthen the payroll function in a fast‑paced, detail‑driven environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Minimum 5 years of payroll processing experience, preferably with a large employer.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Workday payroll functions, including:
• Payment and tax elections
• Payroll inputs and withholding orders
• FLSA, retro processing, pay calculations, completion, settlement, and post‑payroll reporting
• ADP wage payment, tax, and garnishment experience preferred.
• Proven experience in roles with increasing responsibility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to make independent decisions when needed.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with diverse groups.
• Comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Willingness to learn new methods and improve existing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day payroll processing activities for periodic payroll cycles.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert and primary escalation point for payroll issues.
• Partner with Payroll Business Systems Analysts to resolve more complex payroll cases.
• Manage payroll calendars, cutoff schedules, and processing timelines.
• Coordinate and administer payroll data inputs for each payroll cycle.
• Execute on‑cycle payroll runs and produce post‑payroll audit reports.
• Provide ad hoc payroll reports and data to internal stakeholders.
• Support payroll setup and coordination for newly acquired companies.
• Implement and support daily payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate payroll and time‑tracking calendars.
• Process on‑cycle payrolls, including incentive and retro runs.
• Coordinate payroll input loading and EIB processing.
• Prepare and load payroll inputs as needed.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve time‑tracking and time clock errors during pre‑payroll audits.
• Oversee pre‑payroll audits and resolve data inconsistencies to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Perform payroll input audits and review meal premium usage.
• Coordinate with the Fraud Manager on payroll‑related matters.
• Review and approve off‑cycle checks above payroll processor limits
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll information.
• Support special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned

Benefits

• We are committed to providing a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical/dental/vision coverage, company-provided life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and sick/vacation plans.
• Additionally, enjoy access to our fully equipped onsite gym (San Juan Capistrano office location).
• We also believe in supporting our employee’s professional growth and development through our Learning Management System as well as training sessions and seminars.
• Take a look at these benefits (and more!) at www.ensignbenefits.com

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees