Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Workday Payroll Configuration Analyst to configure, support, and optimize the Workday platform across modules with emphasis on Payroll. The role will translate business requirements into scalable Workday solutions and drive improvements throughout the year.

Preferably on-site in Houston, TX, with consideration for remote work for the right candidate. You will collaborate with Payroll and HR teams, manage data integrity, and support system releases and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, data analytics, business administration, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Configure and support Workday Payroll to ensure accurate execution and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Payroll and People teams to optimize Workday processes and security.
• Support Workday releases, testing cycles (UAT), and issue resolution across modules.
• Develop payroll reports, data extracts, and audit controls for compliance.
• Coordinate high‑volume data loads using EIBs across multiple areas.

Skills

Workday Payroll

HRIS

Payroll configurations

Cross-functional collaboration

Testing & UAT

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Workday Advanced Reports

Workday Matrix Reports

EIBs (data loads)

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.

Preferably this position will be located on site at our Houston Office, but we will consider remote work for the right candidate

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

KBR, Inc. will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1) or employment‑based permanent residence (green card) for this position. Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require sponsorship

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 of team’s philosophy and foster 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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