Workday Payroll Operations Specialist

Workday Payroll Operations Specialist

CGI is seeking a Workday Payroll Operations Specialist to support accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing in a large, highly controlled financial services environment. This role will focus on end-to-end payroll operations within Workday, including on-cycle and off-cycle payroll processing, payroll audits, reconciliations, variance analysis, configuration support, reporting, testing, and issue resolution. We partner with 15 of the top 20 banks globally, and our top 10 banking clients have worked with us for an average of 26 years! This role is located at a client site in Reston, VA, Plano, TX, Lafayette, LA, Knoxville, TN or Columbia, SC. A hybrid working model is acceptable.

The specialist will partner closely with HR, Benefits, Compensation, Finance, technical teams, and vendor support groups to troubleshoot payroll issues, validate integrations, support system changes, and ensure payroll data flows accurately across Workday Time Tracking, Absence Management, and downstream payroll outputs. The role requires strong attention to detail, clear documentation skills, and the ability to work within structured compliance, audit, and change control practices.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role include: 5+ years of payroll experience, including hands-on experience with Workday Payroll. Hands-on experience supporting Workday Payroll in an end-to-end payroll operations role. Strong understanding of on-cycle and off-cycle payroll processing, payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis. Ability to configure and support Workday Payroll components such as earnings, deductions, taxes, business processes, security roles, and domain access. Experience with Workday Report Writer, calculated fields, dashboards, and payroll-related reporting. Working knowledge of Workday Time Tracking and Absence Management, especially how time and absence data impacts payroll. Proven ability to troubleshoot payroll calculation results, payroll input issues, retro pay, arrears, overpayments, worker data issues, and payroll variances. Experience validating payroll integrations and inbound/outbound files, including error resolution, data mapping, file validation, and coordination with technical teams or vendors. Strong testing background, including regression testing, payroll parallel testing, test scenario development, and documentation of results. Solid knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, compliance requirements, audit expectations, and controlled payroll processing practices. Advanced Excel or similar data analysis skills, including pivot tables, lookup formulas, data validation, reconciliations, and large data set review. Experience using Jira or similar tools to track payroll issues, enhancements, testing, and production support items. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain payroll issues clearly to HR, Finance, Benefits, Compensation, and technical stakeholders. Comfortable working in a deadline-driven, detail-oriented environment where accuracy, controls, and audit readiness are critical. Helpful but not required: experience with payroll accounting outputs, general ledger files, payroll costing, bank files, third-party tax files, EIB uploads, SOX controls, and Workday release management.

Desired Skillset: Certified Payroll Professional certification. Workday Payroll Certification. Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this role in the U.S. is $107,700.00 - $137,100.00. CGI's benefits are offered to eligible professionals on their first day of employment to include: competitive compensation, comprehensive insurance options, matching contributions through the 401(k) plan and the share purchase plan, paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time, paid parental leave, learning opportunities and tuition assistance, wellness and well-being programs.

Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action. Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because… You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction. Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise. You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons. Come join our team—one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.