HR Data Analyst I - Time and Payroll / Business Applications Analyst I

Working/Functional Title

HR Data Analyst I - Time and Payroll

Position Summary

Position Summary

Michigan State University is seeking a skilled HR systems and data professional to support Time Management and Payroll within Human Resources Information Technology. This position supports enterprise HR operations through data analysis, system support, payroll reconciliation, testing, issue resolution, and process improvement initiatives that help ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of employee time and pay data.

The role partners closely with Payroll, HR colleagues, technical teams, and campus stakeholders to resolve system issues, analyze business processes, support technology enhancements, and strengthen the effectiveness of HR systems and services used across the university. Through collaboration and analytical problem-solving, this position helps maintain critical business processes that impact employee compensation and workforce operations

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 $73,000-80,000. 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 a functional analyst supporting SAP HCM Time Management and Payroll processes, employee time and pay data, workflows, forms, interfaces, and related applications.
• Partner with Payroll, HR stakeholders, and HRIT team members to gather, analyze, document, and validate business requirements for system enhancements and process improvements.
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve time management, payroll, workflow, and data-related issues while recommending practical solutions to improve operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain functional documentation, including business requirements, process documentation, test scripts, procedures, and functional specifications.
• Design and execute testing activities, including unit, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing for payroll updates, system enhancements, and technology releases.
• Analyze test results, document defects, validate corrections, and collaborate with technical teams to support successful implementation of system changes.
• Support payroll cycles, year-end processing activities, upgrades, migrations, and HR technology projects affecting employee time and pay processes.
• Perform time and payroll data validation, reconciliation, and correction activities to ensure compliance with established procedures and payroll schedules.
• Monitor and resolve service requests while communicating issue status, business impacts, and resolution information to stakeholders.
• Identify recurring issues and opportunities for improvement and recommend enhancements to processes, documentation, training materials, and system functionality.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience analyzing business processes, data, or enterprise systems and translating business needs into practical solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy in a highly regulated and detail-oriented environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to explain technical concepts and data findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting HR systems, payroll operations, data validation, testing, process improvement, or enterprise applications is highly valued.

Why Join Us

• Play a critical role in supporting the systems and processes that ensure employees across Michigan State University are paid accurately and efficiently.
• Contribute to 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 business, management information systems, or related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in the business functional area and/or enterprise software development and/or testing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with SAP HCM or S/4HANA, particularly Time Management and Payroll. Knowledge of employee time and pay data, time-entry and time-evaluation processes, payroll processing, wage types, payroll rules, HR forms, workflows, and interfaces. Experience with data validation, payroll reconciliation, data corrections, system testing, implementations, upgrades, year-end activities, or production issue resolution. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience working with functional and technical teams in a decentralized organization or higher education environment. Ability to organize detailed work, follow established controls and processing schedules, manage multiple priorities, and communicate system issues and data findings clearly to business stakeholders.

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.

Bidding Eligibility ends October 13, 2026 at 11:55 PM