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 regular, full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits.

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…

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