Workday Analyst, Payroll SME

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a leading global investment bank recognised for delivering independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. With uniquely deep industry expertise, broad international reach, and a partnership approach rooted in trust, the firm provides innovative, integrated solutions across mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory.

As a Workday Analyst, IT at Houlihan Lokey, you are responsible for identifying opportunities to ensure key systems meet evolving business needs and advance objectives for how IT delivers products and services. You are responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and support of the Workday Payroll modules primarily for the UK population with the potential to expand to other locations. You will serve as the subject matter expert on day-to-day payroll operations while also leading the delivery of enhancements, regulatory changes, and critical testing cycles.

You will work closely with the Human Capital Group (HCG), Finance, regional stakeholders, vendors, and IT partners to ensure scalable, compliant, and accurate payroll solutions. You will also be responsible for owning, coordinating, communicating, and executing all aspects of testing for the firm’s global payroll project.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a subject matter expert for our core Workday platform, with a focus on UK Payroll, including configuration, testing, deployment, and support in partnership with the IT Payroll Module Lead.
• Serve as a functional and technical lead for testing as it relates to the global payroll project, including developing test strategies, creating test plans and scripts, communication coordination, and execution.
• Support the end-to-end lifecycle of payroll initiatives, including requirements gathering, design, build, testing, cutover, and post-production support with the IT Payroll Module Lead.
• Partner with HCG, Finance, Compliance, and regional stakeholders to ensure accurate payroll calculations, tax withholding, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee integrations between Workday Payroll and internal/external systems, such as benefits providers, finance systems, and third-party payroll vendors.
• Monitor, manage, and resolve production issues, including root cause analysis and the implementation of preventive controls.
• Provide guidance on best practices for payroll configurations and processes.
• Support audits, year-end activities (W-2, P60), and statutory reporting requirements as they relate to payroll.
• Develop and maintain documentation, configuration workbooks, test evidence, governance processes, and appropriate approval gates.
• Communicate project status, testing progress, risks, and issues clearly to stakeholders and leadership.
• Coordinate with implementation partners and AMS providers to ensure quality delivery and adherence to agreed SLAs.

Soft Skills:

• Ability to deliver empathetic, people-first service that makes customers feel heard, respected, and valued.
• Talent for creating personal moments that turn routine interactions into memorable experiences.
• Strong communication skills that balance accuracy with hospitality and approachability.
• Solutions-focused mindset with a willingness to go above and beyond to create a positive customer outcome.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to remain calm, positive, and thoughtful in challenging situations.
• Hospitality-focused presence that consistently creates a welcoming environment for customers.
• Strong sense of ownership for the customer experience, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to champion the customer while supporting team and organisational goals.
• Learning-oriented mindset driven by curiosity, growth, and a passion for service.
• High degree of professionalism and dependability, with a commitment to upholding the organisation’s mission and values.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent working experience in Information Systems, HR, or a related field.
• Experience supporting or leading Workday Payroll for the UK in a production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead testing cycles for complex payroll systems, including creating test plans and managing defect resolution.
• Experience gathering and implementing system requirements that meet payroll regulations, processes, and compliance needs.
• Experience working on Global Payroll projects or supporting a Global Payroll model.
• Experience partnering closely with HCM and Finance teams, including understanding downstream impacts.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in team environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience as a Workday Analyst or Consultant within a complex, global organisation.
• Experience in the financial services or investment banking sector is highly desirable.
• Workday Pro certification in multiple modules (HCM, Benefits, Payroll, Integrations).
• Familiarity with Workday Time Tracking and Absence modules.
• Familiarity with Workday integrations (EIBs, Studio) and advanced reporting is a strong plus.
• Experience working with external vendors or AMS partners.
• Exposure to digital transformation initiatives or HR system modernisation.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location: London, UK; Manchester, UK
Type: Full time