Workday Payroll Lead Consultant

Workday Payroll Lead Consultant

We are seeking a highly experienced Workday Payroll Lead Consultant to lead the implementation, configuration, and optimization of Workday Payroll solutions. This role requires deep expertise in Workday Payroll (US/Global), strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive complex payroll transformations while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Solution Design & Implementation
• Lead end-to-end implementation of Workday Payroll (US Payroll and/or Global Payroll integrations).
• Drive requirements gathering, solution design, configuration, testing, and deployment.
• Design scalable payroll solutions aligned with Workday best practices and compliance standards.
• Provide functional expertise on pay groups, earnings/deductions, taxes, garnishments, and retro processing.
• Stakeholder & Client Management
• Act as the primary Payroll SME (Subject Matter Expert) for business stakeholders.
• Engage with HR, Finance, and Payroll teams to define transformation goals and deliverables.
• Conduct workshops, requirement sessions, and executive-level presentations.
• Provide advisory support on payroll strategy and process optimization.
• Team Leadership & Delivery Management
• Lead and mentor a team of Workday Payroll consultants and analysts.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, risks, and dependencies.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, documentation, and delivery governance.
• Support resource planning and performance management.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure payroll configurations comply with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Maintain alignment with statutory payroll requirements and audit standards.
• Support payroll audits and compliance reporting.
• Integration & Data Management
• Collaborate with integration teams on payroll-related integrations using:
• Workday Studio, Core Connectors, EIBs, Third-party payroll providers
• Oversee inbound/outbound data flows, data validation, and reconciliation activities.
• Ensure seamless integration with Benefits, Time Tracking, Absence, and Financial systems.
• Define and lead payroll-specific testing strategies (Parallel testing, Payroll reconciliation, UAT).
• Support defect resolution and ensure payroll accuracy.
• Manage go-live readiness, cutover planning, and deployment execution.
• Post-Go-Live Support & Continuous Improvement
• Provide hypercare and payroll stabilization support.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and optimization.
• Stay updated with Workday releases and implement payroll enhancements.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, IT, or related field.

• 8–12+ years of experience in Payroll systems, with 5+ years in Workday Payroll.
• Proven experience leading multiple Workday Payroll implementations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Workday Payroll Certification (US Payroll preferred).
• Experience in global payroll solutions and third-party integrations.
• Knowledge of Workday HCM modules and cross-functional dependencies.
• Experience with Agile delivery models and large-scale transformation programs.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep expertise in payroll processes, compliance, and regulations
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills
• Leadership and team management
• Analytical problem-solving and attention to detail
• Ability to manage complex payroll scenarios and escalations

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with Workday Cloud Connect for Payroll (CCP)
• Knowledge of Prism Analytics or Payroll reporting
• Exposure to multi-country payroll implementations
• Familiarity with data privacy and audit frameworks (SOX, GDPR)