Workday Payroll Senior Principal Consultant

The Cognizant Workday Practice is seeking a Workday Payroll Implementation Senior Principal Consultant who will “bridge the gap” between the business and technical teams by solving complex Workday intersystem problems. They will guide clients through the transformation, implementation, and operation phases of a Workday implementation.
 

Responsibilities: 

• Become a Workday Payroll product expert with knowledge of design, configuration, testing, and implementation. 
• Partner with client to understand pain points, prioritize requirements and identify opportunities to improve processes and gain efficiency by leveraging Workday’s Payroll functionality. 
• Architect Workday Payroll solution to ensure that all work streams are cohesive and cross functional impacts are considered and mitigated. 
• Leverage your expertise to recommend the best solution based on the client’s requirements, budget, and timeframe; with the flexibility to adapt the scope as additional needs are identified. 
• Guide the customer through facilitated design sessions and configuration decisions based on best practices and an understanding of the customer’s unique business requirements at all stages of the project. 
• Regularly engage and support the client through all phases of the project, ensuring a smooth transfer from legacy systems to the Workday Payroll. 
• Perform multiple tasks under limited direction, while regularly keeping the client, your project team and your Engagement Manager abreast of changes or progress related to the project. 
• Work alongside the integration team to configure and test integrations between the Workday solution and the client’s selected payroll and benefits providers. 
   

Skills & Requirements: 

• 4+ years of Workday functional implementation experience, required
• Workday Payroll implementation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least two Workday implementations from beginning to end, with at least one year of project leadership experience.
• Experience gathering business requirements, designing and prototyping, testing and implementing practical business solutions under multiple deadlines. 
• Demonstrated functional experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Financials Management. 
• Passion for exceptional customer service and collaboration.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively manage customer expectations. 
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint programs.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until 12/9/2026 The annual salary for this position is between $128,093 - $192,140 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program , based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Why choose Cognizant:

• Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas
• Opportunity to do great work
• Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit
• Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement
• Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific
• An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs

Cognizant Core Values:

• Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other’s strengths to win as a team.
• Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver.
• Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what’s possible.
• Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice.
• Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community.