Senior Workday Systems Analyst, Payroll

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Serve as the functional co-lead for the Workday Payroll module, overseeing end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and ongoing optimization .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $84,961 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Workday Payroll module configuration and optimization, ensuring compliance with U.S. payroll regulations while effectively translating business requirements into functional solutions. Proven ability to lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive process improvements within a higher education environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Workday Payroll ConfigurationU.S. Payroll Tax RegulationsFunctional Testing LeadershipProcess Improvement AnalysisCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Workday ConfigurationPayroll CalculationsTax SetupsAudit ReportingBusiness Process DesignData AnalyticsSystem TroubleshootingIntegration ManagementReporting ToolsERP Systems

Soft Skills

Analytical ThinkingProblem-SolvingCommunicationProject ManagementRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

Workday Reporting Tools

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationPayroll RegulationsAccounting StructureFunctional SupportProcess Automation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the functional co-lead for the Workday Payroll module, overseeing end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and ongoing optimization
Provide backup functional support for the Workday Time Tracking module
Partner with Payroll, Workday functional leads, and business stakeholders to identify process improvement, automation, and Workday utilization opportunities
Analyze business requirements and translate them into system configurations, business processes, reports, and functional solutions
Configure and maintain payroll business processes, earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, tax setups, audits, validations, and integrations for U.S. payroll operations
Configure and maintain payroll account posting rules and support reconciliation of payroll liabilities within the University’s accounting structure
Design, develop, and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and analytics using Workday reporting tools
Support payroll processing by executing audit reports, troubleshooting system and processing issues, conducting root-cause analyses, and implementing sustainable solutions
Lead functional testing for payroll enhancements, tax updates, regulatory changes, integrations, and Workday biannual releases
Ensure Workday Payroll configurations and processes comply with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and University policies
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on functional experience with Workday or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
Demonstrated expertise in supporting two or more Workday modules, preferably within a higher education environment
Strong understanding of payroll functionality, U.S. payroll tax regulations, and applicable taxing requirements
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to translate business requirements into effective system solutions
Familiarity with the University of Pennsylvania’s accounting structure and financial processes is preferred
Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and drive initiatives through completion
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships with stakeholders
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work, including vacation, personal, family, and illness recovery time
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household