Workday Payroll Implementation Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Workday Payroll Implementation Specialist to join a large retail organization in Gardena, California. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a payroll specialist with strong attention to detail who can support a complex system implementation while helping maintain accuracy and continuity across biweekly payroll operations. The role works closely with payroll, HR, IT, and project stakeholders to strengthen payroll processes, validate data integrity, and support successful execution of Workday payroll activities.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to Workday payroll implementation efforts by supporting setup activities, system validation, and readiness planning for payroll operations.

• Perform detailed testing of payroll processes, compare results across systems, and investigate variances before key implementation milestones.

• Review converted employee and payroll records to confirm accurate transfer of earnings, taxes, deductions, benefits, and related payroll data.

• Help administer biweekly payroll processing for a workforce of more than 1,200 employees across multiple states while maintaining compliance and precision.

• Work with payroll, HR, IT, and project team members to resolve processing issues, system defects, and operational questions during implementation and stabilization.

• Analyze payroll exceptions and discrepancies, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to protect payroll accuracy.

• Document updated payroll procedures, process flows, and operating guidelines to support consistency within the Workday environment.

• Provide hands-on support during post-go-live activities to help sustain payroll continuity and address urgent payroll concerns in a timely manner.

• Proven hands-on experience supporting a Workday payroll implementation, payroll conversion, or major payroll system deployment.

• Strong background in full-cycle payroll processing, including multi-state payroll in a high-volume environment.

• Experience managing payroll operations for employee populations exceeding 500 people; exposure to 1,200+ employees is preferred.

• Practical knowledge of payroll testing, reconciliations, data validation, and parallel payroll execution.

• Familiarity with Kronos or similar legacy payroll and timekeeping platforms is a plus.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability to evaluate data, identify errors, and resolve discrepancies.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Payroll, Human Resources, Information Technology, and implementation partners.

• Retail or other multi-location operational experience is preferred; Spanish language skills are a plus.