Workday Payroll Processing Specialist

Workday Payroll Processing Specialist

The Workday Payroll Processing Specialist is responsible for the timely and accurate execution, auditing, and processing of periodic payroll cycles for a complex, multi-state employee population. This role coordinates day-to-day payroll activities across the team, ensures regulatory and policy compliance, serves as a subject matter expert for end-to-end payroll processing, and partners cross-functionally to drive process improvements and support scalable payroll operations in a fast-paced service center environment.

The position carries delegated administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for assigned duties.

Job Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform on-cycle Field Operations payroll processing and post-payroll audits, including Monthly Incentive and Special Field Incentive Bonus runs.
• Provide general payroll processing guidance to the Payroll Team and coordinate day-to-day service center payroll activities in support of operational payroll cycles and payroll policies and procedures.
• Operate as the subject matter expert for processing issues and escalation point to resolve issues.
• Partner with Payroll Business Systems Analysts, Payroll Market Supervisors and FSS team for resolution of more complex cases.
• Coordinate and administer transactional payroll data inputs for each payroll cycle, including the use of EIBs to load and manage a variety of payroll transactions.
• Perform ongoing audits of timekeeping, payroll, retro pay, PBJ, and payroll accounting data (including cost allocations and labor expense) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper expense reporting.
• Produce and distribute post-payroll audit reports and provide ad hoc reporting and data as directed by the Payroll Processing Manager and Payroll Manager.
• Assist with validation of payroll setup and coordination for newly acquired facilities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll information and partner with the Fraud Manager to support payroll-related investigations and controls.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, required.
• Minimum of 4 years of Workday Payroll experience as a Payroll Resource or Specialist, with increasing levels of responsibility; experience with a large employer preferred.
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience, including Payment Elections, Tax Elections, Payroll Inputs, Withholding Orders, FLSA, retro pay, pay calculations, pay completion, settlements, and post-payroll reporting.
• Knowledge of ADP wage payment, tax, and garnishment processing preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, including EIB development and payroll data analysis.
• Ability to apply structured, critical-thinking skills when analyzing payroll data.
• Ability to review, verify, and audit payroll documents and reports for accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to consistently meet payroll cycle deadlines.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and interpret payroll programs, policies, procedures, and objectives using sound accounting principles.
• Working knowledge of standard computer systems, data entry processes, and system outputs.
• Ability to prepare payroll reports and records in a clear, accurate, and well-organized manner.

Additional Information:

• Pre-employment criminal background screening required.

What We Offer:

• 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.