Senior Workday Payroll Systems Analyst - Automation & AI

McDermott; New York (NY); On-site; USD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a Senior Payroll Systems Analyst in New York to own the Workday Payroll module, configure core functionality, and drive automation and data-driven improvements across HR, Accounting, and related teams.

You will lead testing, ensure tax and rules accuracy, and partner with stakeholders to scale payroll processes. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential, with a focus on internal controls and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll systems experience with Workday configuration.
• Experience working in a law firm is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll calculation logic and tax setup.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end configuration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Workday Payroll module, including earnings and deduction setup, payroll calculation rules, tax configuration, and payroll-specific business processes
• Document payroll system configuration, business rules, and change-control procedures
• Lead end-to-end testing and validation of payroll system changes, including Workday releases and configuration updates, to ensure accuracy and compliance of payroll outputs
• Resolve system and payroll processing errors through root-cause analysis, implementing corrective actions
• Monitor data integrity across HR, timekeeping, benefits, and other inputs that impact payroll processing
• Manage payroll's general ledger mapping and journal entry process, including preparing, reviewing, and posting entries and reconciling banking, payroll, and general ledger data with Accounting and ADP
• Prepare and deliver payroll reporting and analysis to support business needs, stakeholder requests, and compliance requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and system functionality through automation
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic priorities and requirements into scalable solutions
• Lead AI adoption within the payroll function to streamline payroll processing

Skills

Workday payroll configuration

Payroll systems

Automation

Data analysis

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a Senior Payroll Systems Analyst in New York to own the Workday Payroll module, configure core functionality, and drive automation and data-driven improvements across HR, Accounting, and related teams.

You will lead testing, ensure tax and rules accuracy, and partner with stakeholders to scale payroll processes. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential, with a focus on internal controls and continuous improvement.