Job Description

Working/Functional Title

HR Data Analyst II - Time and Payroll

Position Summary

Michigan State University is seeking an experienced HR systems and data professional to serve as an advanced functional and technical resource supporting Time Management and Payroll within Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT). This position independently supports enterprise HR operations through requirements analysis, solution design, testing, system configuration, issue resolution, and process improvement initiatives that ensure accuracy, integrity, and reliability of employee time and payroll data.

This role partners closely with Payroll, Human Resources, technical teams, vendors, and campus stakeholders to analyze complex business requirements, develop sustainable system solutions, resolve high-impact production issues, assess downstream impacts, and support critical payroll and HR business processes. This position serves as a key resource for Time and Payroll operations and provides consultation on complex system functionality, integrations, and process improvements.

Note: To support a broad candidate pool, this position is being posted at two classification levels. One candidate will be selected and hired into the level that best matches their experience and qualifications. To be considered for both levels, applicants must submit an application to each posting separately.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $83,000-93,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position will be fully remote.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as an advanced functional analyst supporting SAP HCM Time Management and Payroll processes, data, workflows, interfaces, and related applications.
• Support and lead requirements gathering, business analysis, solution design, and implementation activities for enhancements, reports, interfaces, workflows, and system improvements.
• Translate complex business requirements into functional design specifications and collaborate with technical teams to deliver effective solutions.
• Coordinate and execute end-to-end testing activities across multiple testing environments to validate functionality, integration, and business outcomes.
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex payroll, time management, workflow, reporting, security, and system-related issues impacting HR and Payroll operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-priority production issues while communicating impacts, risks, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Partner with external vendors, consultants, financial institutions, and third-party system providers to coordinate integrations and resolve system issues.
• Configure and maintain system functionality supporting payroll processing, overtime calculations, compensation programs, payroll calendars, fringe rates, benefits administration, and other business processes.
• Analyze and implement system updates, SAP notes, and legislative or regulatory changes affecting payroll and HR operations.
• Evaluate cross-functional dependencies and downstream impacts across HR, Payroll, Finance, Campus Solutions, Identity Management, and reporting systems to ensure business continuity and operational effectiveness.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience independently analyzing business processes and translating complex requirements into effective system solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex operational and technical issues.
• Experience leading system testing, implementations, upgrades, or major business process changes within enterprise systems.
• Ability to effectively partner with business stakeholders, technical teams, vendors, and functional subject matter experts.
• Strong communication, consultation, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a complex environment.

Why Join Us

• Serve as a key resource supporting the payroll and time management systems that directly impact employees across Michigan State University.
• Contribute to and lead meaningful work that strengthens payroll accuracy, data integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional HR technology solutions.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, Human Resources, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience supporting enterprise HR or ERP systems, including functional analysis, solution design, testing, implementation, configuration, and production support; experience analyzing complex business processes and translating requirements into functional system solutions; experience coordinating functional testing, issue resolution, implementations, upgrades, or project workstreams; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting SAP HCM modules including Time and Payroll. Experience supporting HR forms, workflow processes, or faculty lifecycle processes. Experience using artificial intelligence tools and automated testing technologies to support data analysis, improve process efficiency, validate system functionality, and strengthen the quality and reliability of HR systems and data. Knowledge of employee HR processes in a higher education environment. Experience supporting large ERP implementations or system migrations. Experience documenting functional requirements, test cases, and system designs. Strong communication and stakeholder support skills.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

hr.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.