Workday PATT & Payroll Accounting Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization that focuses on improving people's lives, protecting and restoring nature, and stabilizing the climate. Established with a mission to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems, WRI operates in more than a dozen focus countries and collaborates with partners in over 50 nations. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, WRI leverages its data and expertise to address critical global challenges related to food, land, water, energy, and urban development. The organization is committed to advancing gender and social equity, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Workday PATT & Payroll Accounting Specialist is a pivotal role within the Global Accounting team at WRI, responsible for managing and supporting employee time tracking, timesheet processing, and U.S. multi-state payroll operations using Workday. This hybrid position requires the specialist to be in the office at least 8 days per month, ensuring they are within reasonable commuting distance. The role involves ensuring that employee time, leave, and payroll data are accurate, complete, and processed in accordance with established deadlines and internal policies. The specialist will work closely with various teams, including Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and Technology, to maintain effective controls, resolve discrepancies, and improve operational efficiency. This position combines hands-on Workday configuration, payroll operations, payroll accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and continuous process improvement, making it essential for the smooth functioning of payroll processes at WRI.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Timesheet Management & Payroll Operations (40%): Manage and support employee time tracking and payroll operations for a multi-state U.S. workforce. Review timesheets for accuracy and compliance, monitor submissions, and ensure timely payroll activities. Investigate and resolve discrepancies, support payroll processing, and administer Workday Absence and Time Tracking processes. Serve as a backup payroll processor during high-volume periods.
• Workday PATT Administration & Process Improvement (25%): Administer Workday Payroll, Absence, and Time Tracking functionality. Support configuration of time tracking rules and maintain payroll components. Develop reports and troubleshoot Workday issues. Identify opportunities for process improvements and maintain documentation.
• Payroll Accounting, Reconciliations & Compliance (20%): Assist with payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll registers. Research discrepancies and support compliance with payroll requirements. Assist with year-end activities and maintain documentation for audits.
• Reporting, Analysis & Special Projects (15%): Prepare reports for operational monitoring, analyze payroll trends, and support data requests for audits. Participate in improvement initiatives as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in payroll operations, timekeeping, and timesheet administration is required, with substantial experience supporting U.S. payroll. Hands-on experience with Workday Time Tracking and Absence is essential, and familiarity with Workday Payroll configuration is a plus. Strong experience with ADP payroll systems and knowledge of payroll accounting and compliance practices are also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Human Resources is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding payroll operations, accounting principles, and compliance requirements.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in payroll operations, timekeeping, and timesheet administration. Candidates should have substantial experience supporting U.S. payroll, which includes hands-on experience with Workday Time Tracking and Absence, as well as familiarity with payroll processing and year-end reporting.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization's international operations. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid position, requiring the specialist to be in the office at least 8 days per month. The potential salary for this role ranges from 26,00,000 to 34,00,000 INR per annum, commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. The application deadline is set for 12 November 2026, and candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes along with a cover letter. WRI offers a commitment to a hybrid working model with flexible working hours, generous leave days that increase with tenure, and access to a global network for professional development.