Payroll Workday Lead

Join the future of news

We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning News and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

This position is based in Washington DC. Relocation is required for non-local candidates.

The Washington Post is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Payroll Lead to lead and modernize U.S. payroll operations. This is not a “business as usual” payroll role - it’s an opportunity to reimagine how payroll functions within Workday by amplifying automation, redesigning processes, and leveraging AI-driven insights to make payroll faster, cleaner, and more strategic.

You will partner closely with HRIS, Finance, and Benefits to simplify integrations, streamline handoffs, and reduce manual corrections. Your focus will be on continuous improvement - fully utilizing Workday’s capabilities and embedding data-driven decision-making across payroll operations.

This position reports to the Director of Payroll.

What Motivates You

• Leading transformation and modernization efforts that create measurable business impact.
• Applying technology and automation to solve complex payroll challenges.
• Collaborating across HR, Finance, and Benefits to improve processes that serve every employee.
• Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in a function that touches every part of the organization.
• Building scalable systems and processes that simplify work and enable growth.

How You Will Support the Mission

• Oversee all payroll processes to ensure timely and accurate payments for all U.S. employees within Workday.
• Lead quarterly and annual payroll tax activities, including reconciliation, amendments, and W-2 processing, using Workday and ADP.
• Manage garnishment processing, union and pension payments, and ensure compliance with all associated requirements.
• Administer Workday Timekeeping transactions and updates, ensuring accuracy and seamless integration with payroll.
• Own Workday Payroll configurations, integrations, and testing; continuously identify automation opportunities that reduce manual work.
• Implement process improvements that shorten payroll cycles, improve audit readiness, and minimize reconciliation effort.
• Utilize Workday’s AI and machine learning tools (such as anomaly detection and smart audits) to proactively prevent errors and increase accuracy.
• Collaborate with HRIS, Benefits, and Finance to create standardized, scalable processes that ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Develop reports and dashboards that provide insight into payroll metrics, trends, and compliance status.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate journal entries, general ledger postings, and reconciliations.
• Support year-end processing, including W-2 reconciliation, audits, and reporting.
• Serve as the Workday Payroll subject matter expert for system releases, internal audits, and stakeholder inquiries.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the payroll function.

Skills and Experience You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 5+ years leading payroll operations.
• 5+ years of Workday Payroll experience, including configuration, reporting, integrations, and timekeeping.
• Demonstrated success modernizing payroll through automation, AI tools, and process redesign.
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance across federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into process improvements.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills; trusted collaborator across HR, Benefits, and Finance.
• Advanced proficiency with reporting and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, manage deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Experience conducting performance reviews and setting team goals.
• Preferred: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Workday Payroll Certification.
• Flexibility to support occasional holiday or weekend work as needed for payroll deadlines.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays and two personal days

• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

• Robust mental health resources

• Backup care and caregiver concierge services

• Gender affirming services

• Pet insurance

• Free Post digital subscription

• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.