Job ID: JOB_ID_2273
Role Overview
The Workday Time Tracking & Absence Specialist is a critical technical role focused on the architecture, configuration, and maintenance of Workday’s Human Capital Management (HCM) suite, specifically targeting the Time and Absence modules. As organizations move towards more automated and integrated workforce management solutions, this role ensures that time entry, leave management, and accrual logic are perfectly aligned with both corporate policy and legal compliance. In the evolving landscape of 2026, where hybrid work models and global compliance are paramount, the specialist acts as the bridge between HR policy and system execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end implementation and optimization of Workday Time Tracking and Absence Management modules, ensuring high system availability and accuracy.
- Configure complex business processes, including leave of absence (LOA), accrual rules, time-off plans, and work schedules tailored to diverse employee populations.
- Design and implement time entry templates, calculation tags, and approval workflows to streamline payroll processing and reduce manual intervention.
- Conduct requirement gathering sessions with HR and Payroll stakeholders to translate business needs into technical specifications that adhere to best practices.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive functional documentation, including configuration guides, process maps, and user manuals for end-user training.
- Collaborate with the Integration team to ensure seamless data flow between Workday and external payroll or third-party systems, managing API and EIB processes.
- Perform rigorous unit testing, system integration testing (SIT), and support user acceptance testing (UAT) to ensure defect-free deployments.
- Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all time-related queries, providing high-level troubleshooting and defect resolution for complex system issues.
- Monitor Workday semi-annual releases to identify new features that can enhance the existing system footprint and drive continuous improvement.
- Provide status reports and project updates to the Project Management Office (PMO) and executive leadership, highlighting risks and mitigation strategies.
Technical Qualifications
- Mandatory: Active Workday Time Tracking Certification is required for this engagement.
- 3 to 6 years of hands-on experience specifically within the Workday Time and Absence modules in a large-scale enterprise environment.
- Deep understanding of the Workday Business Process Framework (BPF) and the underlying object-oriented data model.
- Proficiency in creating calculated fields and custom reports (Matrix, Advanced, Composite) to support time and absence analytics.
- Experience with Workday security groups, including role-based and user-based security, and functional area security policies.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex logic errors in time calculations and accrual overrides.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and influence decision-making.
- Proven ability to manage multiple project streams simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Project Context and Industry Impact
This is a high-impact, short-term contract engagement running from March 2026 through October 2026. The successful candidate will be instrumental in a specific phase of system optimization or a mid-year implementation cycle. While the role is remote, preference is given to candidates operating within the Central Standard Time (CST) zone to ensure maximum overlap with the core project team. In the current market, Workday specialists are pivotal in driving digital transformation, allowing companies to leverage real-time data for workforce planning. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-visibility projects that directly impact employee experience and operational efficiency.
Professional Expectations
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and proactive problem-solving. As a consultant in this space, you will be expected to not only follow instructions but to provide strategic recommendations on how to better utilize the Workday platform. This includes staying abreast of the latest HCM trends and ensuring that the Absence and Time Tracking modules are configured to handle future scalability. Success in this role is measured by system stability, stakeholder satisfaction, and the successful delivery of the project roadmap within the specified eight-month window.
Special Requirements
Visa constraints: USC/GC/GC-EAD/H4-EAD. Must be Workday Time Tracking Certified. Short-term contract (March-October 2026). Remote with CST preference.
Compensation & Location
Salary: $155,000 – $215,000 per year (Estimated)
Location: Remote, CST
Recruiter / Company – Contact Information
Recruiter / Employer: Smartiplace LLC
Email: vipin@smartiplace.net
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