Workday Payroll Lead

The Squires Group is seeking a Workday Payroll Lead 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