Senior Payroll Specialist - Workday & Compliance

R1; United States; Remote; USD 52,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

R1 is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to manage payroll for 10,000+ employees and ensure accurate, compliant processing. The role requires deep Workday knowledge and collaboration with HR, Finance, Benefits, and vendors to resolve issues and maintain audit-ready records.

You will process biweekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles, test system changes, assist with integrations, and drive SOP improvements while upholding SOX and federal/state payroll regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in payroll, timekeeping, or a closely related role.
• Strong Workday experience and ADP Smart Compliance supporting payroll operations (payroll processing support, auditing/reconciliation, troubleshooting exceptions).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to research issues, identify root causes, and follow through to resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines in a high‑volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (sorting/filtering, pivot tables, formulas, reconciliations).

Responsibilities

• Crosstrain to support processing of biweekly (hourly) and semi-monthly (salaried) payroll cycles for 10,000+ employees.
• Support day‑to‑day payroll activities including validation of payroll inputs, troubleshooting exceptions, and ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
• Assist with payroll testing and implementation activities, including participation in system changes and process improvements.

Skills

Workday expertise

Payroll processing

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Tools

ADP Smart Compliance

Job description

R1 is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to manage payroll for 10,000+ employees and ensure accurate, compliant processing. The role requires deep Workday knowledge and collaboration with HR, Finance, Benefits, and vendors to resolve issues and maintain audit-ready records.

You will process biweekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles, test system changes, assist with integrations, and drive SOP improvements while upholding SOX and federal/state payroll regulations.