Sr. Payroll Analyst

Description We are looking for an experienced Sr. Payroll Analyst to support payroll operations and systems management for a Contract position based in Providence, Rhode Island. This role will play a key part in strengthening payroll processes, improving controls, and maintaining reliable Workday Payroll functionality in a high-volume environment. The ideal candidate brings deep payroll knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to partner across operations, finance, tax, treasury, and HR systems teams.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with payroll leadership to shape the payroll systems strategy, establish quality checkpoints, and track performance through meaningful service and control metrics.
• Configure and validate payroll elements within Workday, including earnings, deductions, eligibility rules, retroactivity handling, and off-cycle processing controls while maintaining accurate system records.
• Oversee payroll-related interfaces by supporting design decisions, monitoring data flows between connected platforms, and coordinating resolution of integration issues with internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain reports, calculated fields, and dashboards that highlight exceptions, retro activity, settlement status, and other key payroll indicators while promoting data accuracy and audit readiness.
• Lead payroll and absence release activities in Workday, including regression planning, test execution, documentation of outcomes, and recommendations for adoption of new functionality.
• Coordinate settlement and payment control activities with treasury partners, maintain approval evidence, and investigate discrepancies involving bank files and related transactions.
• Support compliance efforts by reinforcing internal controls, maintaining segregation of duties, conducting periodic access reviews, and preserving documentation for audit purposes.
• Resolve complex payroll system and data issues by performing detailed analysis, identifying root causes, and partnering with cross-functional teams on sustainable corrective actions.
• Maintain operating procedures, configuration inventories, runbooks, and validation materials, and provide guidance to payroll operations teams on updated processes and controls.
• Translate business needs into effective system solutions, manage payroll-related initiatives, and design templates for large-scale data updates with a focus on format accuracy and successful processing. Requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll in a high-volume environment supporting more than 500 employees.
• Hands-on expertise with Workday Payroll, including configuration, testing, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, compliance practices, audit support, and segregation of duties requirements.
• Experience working with payroll integrations, data validation, and cross-functional coordination with finance, tax, treasury, or HR systems teams.
• Ability to create reports, dashboards, and calculated fields that support operational insight and data integrity.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies and drive corrective action.
• Knowledge of compensation and benefits processes as they relate to payroll administration.
• Strong documentation and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a contract assignment.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .