HR Data Analyst II – Time and Payroll / Business Applications Analyst II

Michigan State University(MSU); East Lansing (MI); Remote; USD 83,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking an experienced HR data professional to support Time Management and Payroll within HRIT. This role will independently analyze business requirements, design solutions, test changes, and ensure data integrity across HR and payroll operations.

The position is based in East Lansing, MI, with flexible remote options and a salary range of $83,000–$93,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience independently analyzing business processes and translating complex requirements into effective system solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advanced functional analyst supporting SAP HCM Time Management and Payroll processes, data, workflows, interfaces, and related applications.
• Support and lead requirements gathering, business analysis, solution design, and implementation activities for enhancements, reports, interfaces, workflows, and system improvements.
• Translate complex business requirements into functional design specifications and collaborate with technical teams to deliver effective solutions.
• Coordinate and execute end-to-end testing activities across multiple testing environments to validate functionality, integration, and business outcomes.
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex payroll, time management, workflow, reporting, security, and system-related issues impacting HR and Payroll operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-priority production issues while communicating impacts, risks, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Partner with external vendors, consultants, financial institutions, and third-party system providers to coordinate integrations and resolve system issues.
• Configure and maintain system functionality supporting payroll processing, overtime calculations, compensation programs, payroll calendars, fringe rates, benefits administration, and other business processes.
• Analyze and implement system updates, SAP notes, and legislative or regulatory changes affecting payroll and HR operations.
• Evaluate cross-functional dependencies and downstream impacts across HR, Payroll, Finance, Campus Solutions, Identity Management, and reporting systems to ensure business continuity and operational effectiveness.

Job description

Working/Functional Title HR Data Analyst II – Time and Payroll

Position Summary

Michigan State University is seeking an experienced HR systems and data professional to serve as an advanced functional and technical resource supporting Time Management and Payroll within Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT). This position independently supports enterprise HR operations through requirements analysis, solution design, testing, system configuration, issue resolution, and process improvement initiatives that ensure accuracy, integrity, and reliability of employee time and payroll data. This role partners closely with Payroll, Human Resources, technical teams, vendors, and campus stakeholders to analyze complex business requirements, develop sustainable system solutions, resolve high-impact production issues, assess downstream impacts, and support critical payroll and HR business processes. This position serves as a key resource for Time and Payroll operations and provides consultation on complex system functionality, integrations, and process improvements.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $83,000-93,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position will be fully remote.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as an advanced functional analyst supporting SAP HCM Time Management and Payroll processes, data, workflows, interfaces, and related applications.
• Support and lead requirements gathering, business analysis, solution design, and implementation activities for enhancements, reports, interfaces, workflows, and system improvements.
• Translate complex business requirements into functional design specifications and collaborate with technical teams to deliver effective solutions.
• Coordinate and execute end-to-end testing activities across multiple testing environments to validate functionality, integration, and business outcomes.
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex payroll, time management, workflow, reporting, security, and system-related issues impacting HR and Payroll operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-priority production issues while communicating impacts, risks, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Partner with external vendors, consultants, financial institutions, and third-party system providers to coordinate integrations and resolve system issues.
• Configure and maintain system functionality supporting payroll processing, overtime calculations, compensation programs, payroll calendars, fringe rates, benefits administration, and other business processes.
• Analyze and implement system updates, SAP notes, and legislative or regulatory changes affecting payroll and HR operations.
• Evaluate cross-functional dependencies and downstream impacts across HR, Payroll, Finance, Campus Solutions, Identity Management, and reporting systems to ensure business continuity and operational effectiveness.

What We’re Looking For

Experience independently analyzing business processes and translating complex requirements into effective system solutions. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to resolve complex operational and technical issues. Experience