Workday Developer - People Tech

Gusto; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity/RSUs

Job summary

Gusto is seeking an experienced L4 Workday Analyst to lead design, configuration, and optimization of Workday solutions powering HR and payroll. You will partner with People Team, IT, and stakeholders to deliver scalable, business-ready outcomes in a hybrid environment in Denver.

The role requires advanced Workday expertise, the ability to mentor others, and a track record of delivering complex, compliant Workday solutions across modules such as Payroll, Absence, Time Tracking, HCM, Talent, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, HR Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of hands-on Workday analyst or configuration experience
• Advanced, wide-ranging knowledge of Workday security, business processes, reporting, and calculated fields; proven ability to independently determine methods and techniques on new, complex assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex, ambiguous issues requiring in-depth evaluation; exercises independent judgment in selecting approaches, with work reviewed upon completion rather than in progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead configuration of Workday modules (e.g., Payroll, Absence, Time Tracking, HCM, Talent, Compensation) on complex business requirements.
• Architect and guide development of Workday Business Processes, calculated fields, condition rules, and security roles; exercise judgment in selecting methods and techniques on new assignments.
• Lead evaluation and adoption of new features with each Workday release; identify creative solutions and guide policy development for optimization across modules.
• Develop and own advanced, matrix, composite, and dashboard reports in Workday; apply in-depth analytical judgment to surface actionable workforce insights for senior stakeholders.
• Drive data quality and integrity standards across Workday and connected systems; provide in-depth analytical insights to inform workforce decisions and cross-functional planning.
• Own audit readiness through proactive reporting, documentation, and control frameworks; determine appropriate methods independently.
• Design and lead test strategies including test plans, scripts, and UAT coordination; exercise independent judgment in defining testing approaches and resolving complex issues.
• Lead regression and functional testing for biannual Workday releases; determine procedures and guide team approach to ensure quality and business continuity.
• Network with key contacts across functions; adapt communication style to diverse audiences and frequently advise others—including senior partners—on complex Workday matters, using persuasion and judgment to drive alignment.
• Provide expert-level Workday system support; independently diagnose and resolve complex issues, and develop scalable solutions that prevent recurrence.
• Mentor and upskill team members and key users on Workday functionality; act as an internal subject matter authority on system capabilities and best practices.

Skills

Workday security

Workday business processes

Workday reporting

Workday calculated fields

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

About Gusto
At Gusto, we're on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stuff — payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR — so owners can focus on their craft and their customers. With teams in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we support more than 500,000 small businesses nationwide and are building a workplace that reflects the people we serve.
All full-time employees receive competitive base pay, benefits, and equity (RSUs) — because everyone who helps build Gusto should share in its success. Offer amounts are determined by role, level, and location. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy.
AI is a fundamental part of how work gets done at Gusto. We expect all team members to actively engage with AI tools relevant to their role and grow their fluency as the technology evolves. AI experience requirements vary by role and will be assessed during the interview process.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced L4 People Technology Workday Analyst to lead the design, configuration, and optimization of Workday solutions that power our HR and payroll processes. The ideal candidate brings advanced, wide-ranging Workday expertise, applies creative and effective solutions to complex business problems, and guides the development of new approaches and best practices. This role operates with a high degree of independence, mentors others on Workday functionality, and partners closely with the People Team, IT, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure Workday delivers scalable, business-ready outcomes.
About The Team
The People Operations, Services, and Technology team is transforming how Gusto supports its people by pairing cutting-edge AI with smart automation. We optimize workflows, enhance service delivery, and free up teams to focus on meaningful, high-impact work to support a more responsive, efficient, and future-ready people experience.
Day To Day
Workday Configuration & Enhancements
Lead configuration of Workday modules (e.g., Payroll, Absence, Time Tracking, HCM, Talent, Compensation) on complex business requirements, applying in-depth evaluation to determine optimal approaches.
Architect and guide development of Workday Business Processes, calculated fields, condition rules, and security roles; exercise judgment in selecting methods and techniques on new assignments.
Lead evaluation and adoption of new features with each Workday release; identify creative solutions and guide policy development for optimization across modules.
Reporting & Analytics
Develop and own advanced, matrix, composite, and dashboard reports in Workday; apply in-depth analytical judgment to surface actionable workforce insights for senior stakeholders.
Drive data quality and integrity standards across Workday and connected systems; provide in-depth analytical insights to inform workforce decisions and cross-functional planning.
Own audit readiness through proactive reporting, documentation, and control frameworks; determine appropriate methods independently.
Testing & Quality Assurance
Design and lead test strategies including test plans, scripts, and UAT coordination; exercise independent judgment in defining testing approaches and resolving complex issues.
Lead regression and functional testing for biannual Workday releases; determine procedures and guide team approach to ensure quality and business continuity.
Collaboration & Support
Network with key contacts across functions; adapt communication style to diverse audiences and frequently advise others—including senior partners—on complex Workday matters, using persuasion and judgment to drive alignment.
Provide expert-level Workday system support; independently diagnose and resolve complex issues, and develop scalable solutions that prevent recurrence.
Mentor and upskill team members and key users on Workday functionality; act as an internal subject matter authority on system capabilities and best practices.
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, HR Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of hands-on Workday analyst or configuration experience
• Advanced, wide-ranging knowledge of Workday security, business processes, reporting, and calculated fields; proven ability to independently determine methods and techniques on new, complex assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex, ambiguous issues requiring in-depth evaluation; exercises independent judgment in selecting approaches, with work reviewed upon completion rather than in progress.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Workday certifications (Payroll, Absence, HCM, Benefits, Time Tracking, Reporting).
• Experience in HR, payroll, benefits, or related domains.
• Experience working in an agile environment; track record of guiding new policy development and mentoring junior team members on system best practices.
  

Compensation
At Gusto, we strive to provide rewards that empower employees to achieve their financial and personal goals. We offer competitive compensation packages with a strong emphasis on equity based compensation (ownership in Gusto). To learn more about Gusto’s compensation philosophy and benefits offerings please view our Total Rewards Approach page.
Our cash compensation range for this role is $128,000/yr to $160,000/yr in Denver & most remote locations, and $154,000/yr to $193,000/yr in Seattle & New York. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City. Employees who are based in those locations will be expected to work from the office on designated days approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role). The same office expectations apply to all Symmetry roles, Gusto's subsidiary, whose physical office is in Scottsdale.
Note: The San Francisco office expectations encompass both the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas.
When approved to work from a location other than a Gusto office, a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection is required. This includes non-office days for hybrid employees.
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for small businesses, you will find a home at Gusto.
Gusto is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Gusto considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Gusto is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. We want to see our candidates perform to the best of their ability. If you require a medical or religious accommodation at any time throughout your candidate journey, please fill out this form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
Gusto takes security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please review our Fraudulent Activity Disclaimer.
Personal information collected and processed as part of your Gusto application will be subject to Gusto's Applicant Privacy Notice.