Principal Workday Analyst [PATT Certified]

Job Summary

The Principal Workday Analyst serves as the primary support for Workday Payroll, Absence, Time & Attendance, and Project and/or Grants modules, while also assisting in broader HCM/Payroll support as needed. This senior-level role combines deep Workday expertise, data governance practices, and analytics capabilities to ensure system accuracy, compliance, and strategic utilization. The incumbent will be the go-to resource for configuration, optimization, training, and troubleshooting across these modules, overseeing seamless data flow, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational goals. This role may include mentoring junior team members and will require training end-users in the effective and correct use of these modules and managing complex Workday initiatives.

This role can be remote, hybrid, or onsite; and is a fixed-term benefit-eligible position, with an expected end date of August 31, 2027.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

Workday System Administration and Optimization

• Lead the optimization & review of system configuration, testing, and maintenance of Workday Payroll, Absence, Time Tracking (PATT) and Projects and/or Grants modules to support People Operations, Payroll, Finance and business operations.
• Lead and understand Time tracking, Absence and Projects and/or Grants as it relates to recording of all employee time and work order management at WHOI.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (People Operations, Payroll, Accounting, IS, and relevant stakeholders) to ensure seamless integration and data flow among Workday modules to external WHOI systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues promptly and effectively, focusing on interdependencies between Time, Projects and/or Grants, Absence, Payroll, and external applications.
•  Identify and recommend new Workday features or enhancements—particularly for PATT, Projects and/or Grants—to improve system functionality and user experience.

Data Governance and Quality

• Oversee data governance for PATT, Projects, and Grants, ensuring accuracy, privacy, and compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, in a highly regulated institutional environment.
•  Conduct biweekly reconciliations of time tracking (hours and costs) from Workday to Legacy ERP, ensuring accurate allocation to the correct cost centers/projects. Troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies to maintain compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and labor laws, ahead of the transition to Workday Finance.
• Ensure all KPI reporting for FTE compliance is reconciled quarterly
• Conduct regular audits of payroll- and time-related data, address quality issues, and implement improvement plans.
• Ensure secure data flows and storage solutions that meet organizational standards and comply with relevant laws and regulations (e.g., wage and hour laws, CCPA).
• Ensure the time and attendance data is accurate as it is crucial for accurate payroll calculations, expense management and workforce cost analysis all in relations to government compliance under Uniform Guidance Cost Principles 2 CFR Part 200 and labor laws.

Reporting and Analytics

• Develop and generate Workday reports related to PATT, Projects, and Grants, enabling data-driven decisions for Finance, People Operations, and business leaders.
• Analyze payroll, time tracking, and project data to identify trends, compliance gaps, or optimization opportunities.
• Develop and maintain all labor reporting for Federal Grant compliance
• Contribute to advanced analytics initiatives, including predictive modeling and forecasting for workforce planning, overtime costs, and other critical metrics.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead or co-lead complex projects focused on enhancing PATT, Projects and Grants capabilities in Workday, including system upgrades and process improvements.
• Mentor and guide team members in best practices for Workday configuration and data governance.
• Foster collaboration across departments to elevate data literacy, maintain best practices, and align system functions with broader organizational goals.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Data Analytics, or a related field; OR 6+ years of equivalent, related work experience
• 5+ years of experience with Workday HRIS, including configuration, with a focus on Payroll and Time Tracking
• Experience with Workday Projects & Grants module, including an advanced understanding of data flows between Time, Projects, Absence, Payroll, and external systems
• Extensive working experience in payroll processes, wage and hour compliance, and time-tracking workflows
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) and basic programming (e.g., Python, R)
• Proven analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and collaborate with teams
• High ethical standards in managing sensitive and confidential data
• Commitment to continuous professional development in data governance, payroll compliance, and HR technology advancements
• Workday PATT Certification; or equivalent professional experience in Workday PATT consulting, configuration and management

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Additional Job Requirements

TRAVEL:

• Travel to the institute for team meetings and events required, as needed
• <10%

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package. 

Salary Range: $145,747.77 – $190,852.16.

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Bachelor's degree or 6+ years related experience; 5+ years Workday HRIS experience focused on Payroll and Time Tracking; Workday Projects and Grants expertise; analytical, communication, and project leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• optimizing configurations
• reconciling data
• developing reports

Skills & Tools

Workday, Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Python, R, Legacy ERP

Job Details

• Category: Information Technology
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time, Temporary
• Workplace: Remote — United States
• Salary: USD 145,747 – 190,852 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• Generous paid time off

About Whoi

A nonprofit organization focused on ocean research, exploration, engineering, and education. — Industry: Research and Development