Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a Principal Workday Analyst to serve as the primary support for Workday Payroll, Absence, Time & Attendance, and Projects and/or Grants modules. The role will lead system configuration and optimization, data governance, reporting and analytics, compliance activities, troubleshooting, training, and complex Workday initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Travel to the institute for team meetings and events required, as needed
- <10%
Skills
- 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
- Travel to the institute for team meetings and events required, as needed
- <10%
- Experience working in nonprofit research institutions, including marine operations and higher education
- Knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and wage/hour regulations
- Experience in data governance or data quality management
- CTA/CPP certification
- PMP or other project management certification
Benefits
- This role can be remote, hybrid, or onsite.
- Fixed-term benefit-eligible position.
- Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
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