Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst to join our HRIS leadership team. The role focuses on configuring and supporting the Workday payroll module while coordinating with HCM, Recruiting, and Absence to ensure cohesive system design and compliant payroll operations.

The successful candidate will translate payroll and business requirements into scalable Workday solutions, maintaining data integrity and driving continuous platform improvements throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, data analytics, business administration, or a related field is required.
• 8+ years of experience in Compensation, HRIS, IT, or HR technology environments supporting enterprise systems.
• Hands-on experience in Workday Compensation module.

Responsibilities

• Configure, support, and optimize Workday Payroll across modules with focus on Payroll.
• Partner with Payroll teams to ensure system readiness, accuracy, and timely issue resolution.
• Design and optimize business processes across Workday for compliance and operational efficiency.
• Support Workday releases, perform payroll-specific testing, and deploy new functionality.
• Develop and maintain payroll reports, audits, and data extracts for compliance.

Skills

Workday Payroll

HRIS

Data governance

Payroll regulations

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in information systems / computer science / data analytics / business administration

Tools

Workday HCM

EIBs

Reporting tools

Job description

Title

Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst

KBR is looking for a Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst to report to the HRIS leadership team this position will play a key role in configuring, supporting, and optimizing the Workday platform across multiple functional areas. This role’s emphasis will be on the payroll module to support critical payroll operations and compliance requirements, and it will operate as a cross‑functional Workday partner, contributing to the ongoing configuration, enhancement, and support of other modules as needed (e.g., HCM, Recruiting, Absence).

The Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst will translate payroll and business requirements into scalable Workday solutions, blending technical configuration with functional expertise to ensure accurate payroll execution, maintain data integrity, and drive continuous platform improvement throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Workday Configuration (Payroll)
  • Serve as a hands‑on configuration expert across Workday, with a strong focus on Payroll—designing, building, and maintaining earnings, deductions, payroll calculations, and pay groups in alignment with business and regulatory requirements—while also supporting configuration across Core HCM, Recruiting, Absence, and related modules to ensure cohesive, compliant, and scalable system design aligned with business needs
• Payroll Cycle Support
  • Partner with Payroll teams to support payroll processing activities, ensuring system readiness, accuracy, and timely issue resolution
• Payroll Process / Business Process Optimization
  • Partner with Payroll and People teams to design and enhance business processes and system functionality across Workday, ensuring alignment with operational and compliance needs
• System Enhancements & Releases
  • Support Workday releases, including impact analysis, payroll‑specific testing, and deployment of new functionality
• Reporting & Compliance
  • Develop and maintain payroll reports, audit controls, and data extracts to support compliance, reconciliations, and reporting requirements
• Integrations Support
  • Assist with monitoring and troubleshooting payroll‑related integrations (e.g., tax agencies, custom integrations for benefit vendors)
• Data Integrity & Audits
  • Ensure accuracy and consistency of set‑up data through audits, reconciliations, and adherence to governance standards
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Partner with Payroll and business teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver effective Workday solutions
• User Support & Documentation
  • Manage the Workday Help support queue as Tier 2 support across all functional areas; triage, investigate, and resolve issues with appropriate urgency while providing clear communication to end users
  • Develop and maintain knowledge base documentation and training materials
• Compliance & Controls
  • Support adherence to payroll regulations, tax requirements, audit standards, and Workday security protocols
• Mass Data Loads
  • Plan, coordinate and execute high‑volume data loads using EIBs across multiple functional areas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, data analytics, business administration, or a related field required
• 8 + years of experience in Compensation, HRIS, IT, or HR technology environments supporting enterprise systems
• Hands‑on experience required in Workday Compensation module
• Proficient in compensation cycles (e.g., ASR, bonus planning) within Workday or similar systems
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise configuring Workday Compensation, Advanced Compensation and HCM Modules with deep knowledge of business process frameworks, security model, and reporting; able to independently design, build, and deploy complex configurations
• Proven track record of delivering scalable Workday solutions, with extensive experience actively configuring and optimizing system functionality across modules
• Strong understanding of compensation processes (e.g., merit increases, promotions, bonuses, salary structures)
• Workday reporting tools (e.g., Advanced, Matrix, Composite reports) and data analysis experience
• Expertise supporting Workday releases, testing cycles (UAT), and defect resolution
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy, system reliability, and process improvement
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical configurations and system solutions
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across functional teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with a growing ability to see interdependencies across modules
• Troubleshoot complex system and data issues and the ability to communicate technical concepts in a business‑friendly way
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on Workday functionality and best practices

Preferred

• Workday Pro Certification(s) in Payroll with a focus in US, UK, and/or AU specific payroll knowledge

When you become part of our KBR team, your opportunities are endless. Through internal collaboration, and with our partners and customers, we’re defining tomorrow’s challenges, then providing the innovative solutions to overcome those challenges, always maintaining our commitment to Zero Harm and our Sustainability Platform.

Working with us means being rewarded for your contributions. In addition to competitive benefits and professional development, our people are empowered to use all their potential, creating meaningful change for themselves and our clients. We attract the best minds in the world because our expertise thrives on creativity, resourcefulness and collaboration. That is how we supply our clients with cutting‑edge solutions.

As the needs of the world change, we’re ready to respond and guide the way forward with strategic, sustainable, and technological advancements grounded in more than a century of practical application and execution.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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