Lead HR Systems Analyst (Dayforce)

Position Overview

The Lead HR Systems Analyst is the primary resource responsible for the administration, enhancement, and long-term strategy of the organization's Dayforce platform. This position serves as the bridge between business stakeholders and HR technology solutions, ensuring system functionality effectively supports Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, IT, and operational teams.

The role is accountable for configuring and maintaining Dayforce, improving business processes, supporting integrations, developing reporting solutions, and driving continuous system improvements. In addition, this individual will provide guidance on HR technology initiatives, promote data accuracy and compliance, and support the growth and development of HRIS team members.

Key Responsibilities

Dayforce System Management

• Act as the organization's internal expert for the Dayforce platform.
• Oversee system configuration, implementation of new functionality, testing efforts, and ongoing maintenance activities.
• Support and optimize multiple Dayforce modules, including Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Workforce Management, Learning, Compensation, Onboarding, and Performance Management.
• Review upcoming platform releases and assess opportunities to leverage new features and capabilities.
• Configure and maintain system security, workflows, organizational structures, forms, and role-based permissions.
• Ensure system setup remains aligned with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and operational needs.
• Maintain governance documentation, security standards, and configuration records.
• Manage workforce-related configurations such as scheduling rules, labor allocations, entitlement plans, union requirements, and premium pay structures.
• Support payroll-related system configurations to ensure accurate and compliant employee compensation processing.

Process Improvement & Solution Development

• Evaluate current HR, payroll, benefits, and workforce processes to identify efficiencies and automation opportunities.
• Analyze business requirements and system dependencies when developing solutions.
• Partner with stakeholders to design scalable, sustainable HR technology solutions.
• Recommend best practices and enhancements that improve user experience and operational efficiency.

Project Leadership & System Enhancements

• Lead HR technology projects from requirements gathering through deployment and post-implementation support.
• Coordinate and manage testing activities, including:
  • Functional testing
  • Integration testing
  • User acceptance testing
  • Regression testing
• Support application updates, platform enhancements, and system maintenance activities.
• Investigate and document system issues, coordinate remediation efforts, and track enhancement requests.

Reporting, Analytics & Data Management

• Create and maintain reporting solutions, dashboards, and workforce analytics.
• Deliver meaningful HR and business metrics that support organizational decision-making.
• Conduct data validation and auditing activities to ensure information accuracy and consistency.
• Assist with internal controls, compliance initiatives, and audit-related requests.

Integrations & Technical Support

• Collaborate with IT teams, vendors, and external partners to support system integrations and data exchanges.
• Assist with implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of:
  • Payroll interfaces
  • Benefits carrier connections
  • Financial and general ledger integrations
  • Recruiting system integrations
  • Other third-party vendor solutions
• Provide guidance related to data integrations, APIs, and system connectivity.
• Perform root-cause analysis and resolve complex system issues.

Training & Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain operational documentation, user guides, and process workflows.
• Create training materials and support documentation for system users and administrators.
• Deliver training sessions to improve system adoption and knowledge across the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Professional Experience

• Minimum seven years of progressive experience supporting HR technology systems.
• At least five years of direct experience administering and configuring Dayforce HCM.
• Demonstrated experience supporting multiple functional areas including Payroll, Workforce Management, Benefits Administration, Talent Acquisition, Learning Management, and Core HR.
• Proven success leading system implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and optimization initiatives.
• Experience managing enterprise-wide HR systems projects involving multiple stakeholders and business functions.

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in Dayforce administration and configuration.
• Thorough understanding of security frameworks and role-based access management.
• Experience with:
  • Workflow and form configuration
  • Reporting and workforce analytics
  • Workforce Management functionality
  • System integrations and API connectivity
  • Data transformation and mapping
  • Test planning and execution
  • Organizational change management
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.