Workday Payroll Lead | Workday Certified

The Squires Group; New York (NY); Remote; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Squires Group is seeking a Workday Payroll Lead to support a large-scale implementation within a complex public-sector environment. The role is remote with limited travel to a university system in New York and requires active Workday Payroll Certification.

You will guide solution design, educate clients, and shape implementation strategy, partnering with leadership to translate legacy processes into scalable Workday solutions and mentor client stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Active Workday Payroll Certification is required.
• 8+ years of payroll experience with Workday implementations.
• Experience migrating from PeopleSoft to Workday.
• Strong experience in SLED environments (State/Local Government or Higher Education).

Responsibilities

• Serve as Payroll SME and solution architect for a complex Workday Payroll implementation.
• Provide strategic guidance on Workday Payroll configuration and design.
• Partner with leadership to support payroll design decisions and solution architecture.
• Translate legacy PeopleSoft payroll processes into scalable Workday solutions.
• Advise on payroll operations within a multi-organization/state-level structure.
• Facilitate client discussions, workshops and design sessions.
• Identify process improvements and streamline manual/custom payroll processes.
• Support integration touchpoints and downstream payroll impacts as needed.
• Provide mentorship and knowledge transfer to client stakeholders.

Skills

Workday Payroll

Payroll SME

Solution Architect

Client-facing

PeopleSoft migration

Job description

Overview

The Squires Group is seeking a Workday Payroll Lead (Workday Payroll Certification Required) to support a large-scale Workday implementation within a highly complex public-sector environment. This engagement will support a major university system operating within a state-governed payroll structure and migrating from a heavily customized PeopleSoft platform to Workday.

This is a high-visibility role supporting an established Workday practice. The selected consultant will work alongside existing leadership and provide deep payroll expertise to guide solution design, client education, and overall implementation strategy. The role is remote, with limited travel to the client site in New York.

Per contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Green Card Holders and be able to pass the client’s background check.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Payroll SME and solution architect for a complex Workday Payroll implementation
• Provide strategic guidance on Workday Payroll configuration, design, and best practices
• Partner with implementation leadership to support payroll design decisions and solution architecture
• Translate complex, highly customized legacy (PeopleSoft) payroll processes into scalable Workday solutions
• Advise on payroll operations within a multi-organization / state-level structure
• Facilitate client discussions, workshops, and design sessions
• Identify process improvements and opportunities to streamline manual or customized payroll processes
• Support integration touchpoints and downstream payroll impacts as needed
• Provide mentorship and knowledge transfer to client stakeholders

Qualifications

• Active Workday Payroll Certification (Required)
• 8+ years of payroll experience with significant Workday implementation exposure
• Proven experience serving as a Payroll SME or Architect on at least one full-cycle Workday Payroll implementation
• Experience migrating from PeopleSoft to Workday strongly preferred
• Strong background in SLED (State, Local Government, or Higher Education) environments
• Experience supporting complex, multi-entity or state-run payroll structures
• Excellent client-facing communication skills — ability to explain Workday functionality to stakeholders accustomed to highly customized legacy systems
• Ability to operate strategically while also supporting detailed configuration discussions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher Education payroll experience
• Experience working within state-controlled payroll environments
• Experience with large-scale transformation programs

4 Reasons to Join The Squires Group, Inc.

• 1. Our Commitment to You - We offer competitive pay, multi-year projects, and a list of exciting clients.
• 2. Work-Life Balance - We work hard; we work smart and have quality time for family and "life."
• 3. Golden Rule - We treat our consultants the way we want to be treated: with integrity, professionalism, and trust.
• 4. We Care About You – We help you meet your career goals and continuously support your efforts in the field.

The Squires Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.