People Systems Specialist- Workday Payroll

*Please note this is a hybrid position based in Costa Mesa, CA. You will be required to be onsite three days a week, two days work from home. Relocation assistance is not provided for this role.

The People Systems Senior Specialist is a subject matter expert responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of Workday Human Capital Management, with primary ownership of Payroll, Absence, and Time Tracking. This role ensures accurate payroll calculations, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and scalable system design.

The role partners closely with Centers of Excellence, such as HR leadership, Payroll Operations, Finance, IT, and other business partners, to streamline processes, enhance system functionality, and deliver reliable solutions aligned with organizational goals.

Job Duties

• Develops, implements, and provides technical control and support for Human Capital Management systems designed to obtain, record, and process various types of employee information. Participates in system requirements definition studies, developing workflows of current and proposed system operations, and collecting and organizing pertinent system documentation.

• Devises and/or modifies methods and programs to solve complex data reporting needs and provides technical consulting on complex projects. Performs system maintenance, including assisting in the review, testing, and implementation of Workday release features. 

• Configure, test, and maintain Workday Payroll, Absence, and Time Tracking functional areas, including earnings, deductions, pay groups, time off plans, accruals, time entry templates, calendars, and complex calculation rules, ensuring configurations are scalable, compliant, and aligned with business requirements.

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex payroll, absence, and time tracking issues, partnering with Payroll Operations and HR stakeholders to ensure data integrity, accurate calculations, and timely payroll processing while minimizing operational risk.

• Create and maintain detailed functional documentation, process flows, and SOPs.

• Deliver training to end-users and HR team members.

• Support all testing activities for system enhancements, new feature rollouts, and Workday's bi-annual updates, including developing test plans and coordinating user acceptance testing (UAT).

• Effectively manages People Service Center support tickets and cases within required timeframes and according to department policy to maintain service delivery standards. Provides escalated support for the People Service Center to assist employees throughout the Enterprise with problem tickets or inquiries.

• Completes other duties assigned by management.

• Work is performed with only minimal guidance or supervision. Work requires extensive knowledge in Workday, practices, techniques, and methods. Work regularly requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment in areas such as:

  • Developing specialized reports

  • Troubleshooting data problems/issues

  • Development of data-driven solutions to complex HR data issues/problems.

  • Proficiency in Workday Report Writer and building calculated fields.

  • Experience with EIBs (Enterprise Interface Builders) for data loads and mass updates.

  • Ability to translate business requirements and architect sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's equivalent combination of education and experience required

• 1-3 years of experience in an HRIS role, with hands-on experience configuring Workday.

• Direct experience configuring and supporting Workday Payroll and understanding of payroll processing required.

• Experience with Workday Absence Management and Time Tracking is highly preferred. 

• Experience supporting additional Workday functional areas, such as Core HCM and Talent Management, with the ability to understand cross-module impacts and dependencies, is considered a plus.

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills, along with demonstrated organizational skills and time management skills required.

• Proven ability to achieve high service quality results as well as meet productivity levels required.

• Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and standards of employee compensation and benefits administration preferred.

• Ability to translate business requirements and architect sustainable solutions. 

• Advanced proficiency with standard Windows PC software, including Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project preferred.

The starting pay range for this position is:

Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.

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Remarkable benefits:
•    Health coverage for medical, dental, vision

•    401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension    

•    Tuition assistance

•    Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs

•    Paid parental leave

•    Wellness programs

•    Employee discounts (membership, insurance,

travel, entertainment, services and more!)

“Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.”

AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our organization participates in E-Verify

The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).