Workday Payroll Lead Consultant

Project Scope: 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. 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)