HR Transformation Senior Associate (Payroll & Systems)

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking a Senior Associate to transform HR and Payroll operations for clients. You will lead end-to-end HR/Payroll transformation projects, shape future-state operating models, and partner with leadership to drive efficiency, compliance, and scalable solutions.

From day one, you’ll work with the Transformation team to deliver roadmap-driven changes, collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors, and present insights to C-suite. Travel up to 80% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field.
• 3+ years in HR/Payroll transformation or related consulting.
• Experience with HR/payroll systems: UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors.
• Ability to align transformation initiatives with business strategy and workforce trends.
• Experience selecting and implementing HCM platforms and designing HR operating models.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data analytics to drive process improvement.
• Understanding of global payroll compliance and cross-border operations.
• Strong presentation skills to C-Suite and senior leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong PM and stakeholder skills.
• Willing to travel 40-50% (up to 80%).

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end delivery of HR and Payroll transformation projects, including operating model assessments, system implementations, system selection, and process redesign.
• Partner with clients to assess current state operations, identify pain points, and develop future-state roadmaps for improved efficiency, scalability, and enhanced compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and governance frameworks across HR and Payroll processes by implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of technology and processes.
• Own the delivery of project milestones, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding business needs, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring long-term satisfaction and partnership.
• Collaborate with internal teams to contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership.
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Cross-border payroll

Presentation to executives

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/HR

Tools

UKG

Dayforce

Workday

SAP/SuccessFactors

Job description

Grant Thornton is seeking a Senior Associate to transform HR and Payroll operations for clients. You will lead end-to-end HR/Payroll transformation projects, shape future-state operating models, and partner with leadership to drive efficiency, compliance, and scalable solutions.

From day one, you’ll work with the Transformation team to deliver roadmap-driven changes, collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors, and present insights to C-suite. Travel up to 80% may be required.