Applications Analyst - Payroll & Timekeeping Systems Specialist

As an Applications Analyst - Payroll & Timekeeping Systems Specialist at Zekelman Industries, you will play a critical role in supporting and optimizing our payroll and timekeeping technology landscape, with a primary focus on UKG Timekeeping and supporting processes within Workday. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of workforce data as it moves between timekeeping, HRIS, and payroll systems across our U.S. and Canadian operations.

The role is ideal for someone who is systems-oriented and enjoys solving complex problems, understanding how data moves between the platforms and working at the intersection of payroll, timkeeping, and HR technology in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position is preferrably based out of our Chicago, IL offices. Travel to the corporate offices and manufacturing facilities will be requied, particularly during onboarding and key projects.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for UKG Timekeeping, supporting union and non-union operations across multiple locations.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to timekeeping, payroll processing, and workforce management data.
• Partner with Payroll, HR, and IT teams to ensure accurate data flow between UKG, Workday, and related systems.
• Analyze system errors, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions to improve data accuracy and system performance.
• Support payroll-related configurations including pay rules, shift differentials, earnings codes, pay components, and workforce management processes.
• Assist with the maintenance, testing, and validation of UKG and Workday system enhancements, updates, and process changes.
• Monitor integrations and data exchanges between systems, proactively identifying and addressing discrepancies.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements and recommend process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Generate and analyze reports to support payroll processing, audits, compliance requirements, and operational decision-making.
• Document system processes, configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and best practices.
• Provide technical and functional support to payroll, HR, and operational users.
• Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy.

• 3+ years of experience supporting payroll, timekeeping, HRIS, or workforce management systems in multi-site environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Strong hands-on experience administering and supporting UKG Timekeeping, UKG Workforce Management, or related UKG solutions.
• Working knowledge of Workday, including an understanding of payroll processes, pay components, earnings codes, shift codes, worker data, and system configuration concepts.
• Experience supporting environments where UKG and Workday work together, with an understanding of how workforce, payroll, and HR data moves between systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot system issues, analyze data discrepancies, and identify root-cause solutions.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to understand the “big picture” across interconnected systems

Tuition reimbursement, Health insurance, 401(k) matching, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, Profit sharing, Paid holidays Full-time 191 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Compensation & Benefits

Below is the expected base salary range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

Annual Salary Range - $70K - 122K

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

Zekelman is a family of companies - 100% domestic manufacturers - with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.