Configuration Analyst, Workday Payroll

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional training and career development

Job summary

KBR Careers in Houston, TX is seeking a Configuration Analyst for Workday Payroll. The role involves configuring and optimizing Workday across Payroll and other modules while supporting system functionalities and compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years of relevant experience, and strong analytical skills.

The position offers flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options, with various benefits like 401(k) plans, medical insurance, and professional training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting and configuring Workday.
• Experience in payroll operations and system implementations.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on compliance.

Responsibilities

• Configure and support Workday Payroll and related modules.
• Partner with Payroll teams to support payroll processing.
• Develop and maintain payroll reports and audit controls.

Skills

Workday Payroll configuration

Problem-solving

Data accuracy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field

Workday Pro Certification in Payroll

Tools

Workday reporting tools

EIBs

Job description

Title

Configuration Analyst, Workday Payroll

About the Company

We are KBR, a Mission Technology Solutions partner that delivers high‑end engineering, science, technology and mission support solutions to government, defense, intelligence and other clients. We are spinning our Mission Technology Solutions business into a separate public company. Our work spans national security, research, cyber, logistics and lifecycle sustainment.

About the Role

Reporting to the HRIS leadership team, you will configure, support and optimize Workday across multiple functional areas. While Payroll is the primary focus, you will also partner on other modules (HCM, Recruiting, Absence). You will translate payroll and business requirements into scalable Workday solutions, blending technical configuration with functional expertise to ensure accurate payroll execution, maintain data integrity, and drive continuous platform improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Workday Configuration (Payroll): Serve as a hands‑on configuration expert across Workday, with a strong focus on Payroll—designing, building, and maintaining earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and pay groups in alignment with business and regulatory requirements—while also supporting configuration across Core HCM, Recruiting, Absence, and related modules to ensure cohesive, compliant, and scalable system design aligned with business needs.
• Payroll Cycle Support: Partner with Payroll teams to support payroll processing activities, ensuring system readiness, accuracy, and timely issue resolution.
• Payroll Process / Business Process Optimization: Partner with Payroll and People teams to design and enhance business processes and system functionality across Workday, ensuring alignment with operational and compliance needs.
• System Enhancements & Releases: Support Workday releases, including impact analysis, payroll‑specific testing, and deployment of new functionality.
• Reporting & Compliance: Develop and maintain payroll reports, audit controls, and data extracts to support compliance, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
• Integrations Support: Assist with monitoring and troubleshooting payroll‑related integrations (e.g., tax agencies, custom integrations for benefit vendors).
• Data Integrity & Audits: Ensure accuracy and consistency of set‑up data through audits, reconciliations, and adherence to governance standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Payroll and business teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver effective Workday solutions.
• User Support & Documentation: Manage the Workday Help support queue as Tier 2 support across all functional areas; triage, investigate, and resolve issues with appropriate urgency while providing clear communication to end users. Develop and maintain knowledge base documentation and training materials.
• Compliance & Controls: Support adherence to payroll regulations, tax requirements, audit standards, and Workday security protocols.
• Mass Data Loads: Plan, coordinate and execute high‑volume data loads using EIBs across multiple functional areas.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• Workday Pro Certification in Payroll preferred, with a focus in US, UK, and/or AU specific payroll knowledge.
• 5+ years of experience supporting and configuring Workday, with specific experience in Workday Payroll.
• Experience supporting payroll operations, payroll cycles, or payroll system implementations/enhancements.

Workday Payroll & Technical Expertise

• Strong hands‑on experience with Workday Payroll configuration, including earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and tax configurations.
• Understanding of payroll processes, compliance requirements, and payroll data structures (e.g., taxes, garnishments, benefits impacts).
• Experience supporting payroll cycles, testing cycles (UAT), reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Proficiency with Workday reporting tools to support payroll audits, compliance, and operational reporting.
• Familiarity with Workday integrations, particularly those impacting payroll (e.g., benefits vendors, third‑party payroll providers, custom integrations).
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy, compliance, and system reliability.
• Ability to translate payroll requirements into system configurations and scalable solutions.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, working across Payroll and other business teams.

Additional Requirements

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with a growing ability to see interdependencies across modules.
• Troubleshoot complex system and data issues and the ability to communicate technical concepts in a business‑friendly way.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on Workday functionality and regulatory changes.

Location

The ideal candidate will be located in Houston, TX or greater Washington D.C.–Baltimore area. KBR offers flexible work arrangements, including hybrid, remote, and virtual delivery.

Benefits & Compensation

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, short‑term incentives, long‑term incentives, or discretionary payments. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, and flexible work schedule. Professional training and career development are supported.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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