Cognizant Workday practice is recruiting for upcoming graduates who are looking for an exciting, entry level consulting opportunity starting in the summer of 2026. We proudly partner with Workday, one of the leading cloud-based software solutions for HR, finance and payroll management. As a Payroll, Absence and Time Tracking Associate Consultant, you will be part of a technical project team working with customers to get the most out of their Workday HCM and Payroll implementation.
Our Payroll, Absence and Time Tracking Associate position is best suited for self-starters who are eager to work with exciting Fortune 500 companies and dive headfirst into all phases of Workday system implementations. Our associates' diverse set of backgrounds offer varied perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking. We provide world-class, on-the-job training; an exceptionally supportive network of mentors and an environment that encourages collaboration.
Responsibilities:
- Buddy-up with other new hires to attend our Freshmen Orientation, Workday certification and Consulting 101 training as part of your onboarding experience. Earn your Workday HCM, Absence Management, and Time Tracking Certifications and continue to seek out opportunities for learning, development, and mentorship.
- Partner with our talented Workday Absence, Time Tracking and Payroll teams to continue learning “tricks of the trade”, best practices, and how to “speak” Workday after completing onboarding training. Continue to network with other “Collabies,” as well as others in the Workday “ecosystem” as you draw upon your strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Learn how to best support our customers and how to work with a variety of employee levels. Contribute to all phases of our Workday implementations from assisting lead consultant(s) in gathering business requirements, designing and prototyping Absence and Time Tracking solutions, and thoroughly testing and implementing those solutions while developing and using Collaborative tools. This helps ensure excellence in all tasks and deliverables and will empower our customers to succeed after their projects are “live.”
- Assist in configuring the system to the customers’ expectations and requirements under the supervision of your lead consultant. This includes core configuration, data conversion tasks, tenant to tenant configuration migration, business processes, security, testing, fit gap analysis, reports, and much more. We will provide you with the tools and training to become an expert in these areas.
Skills and Requirements:
- 1 year of work experience in an office environment preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, Information Systems, Mathematics, or Finance is required
- Strong skills for critical thinking and logic problems with an appetite for problem solving.
- Exceptional resourcefulness, planning and time management, attention to detail and process, and research skills
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Travel to customer site, when needed
Bonus Skills:
- Any experience with management/administration of time off and/or leave of absence plans such as FLSA, FMLA and ACA a huge plus!
- Fluency in other languages highly desirable!
Why Choose Cognizant Workday practice?
- Flexible work schedules or working out of one of our hub locations to cultivate personal and professional balance.
- Competitive benefits including 401(k) matching program, Medical, Dental, Life, and Vison insurance, and perk benefits such as commuter plans and pet insurance.
- Inclusive benefits that support mental health, gender affirmation journeys, caregiving and all paths to parenthood, excellent paid parental leave programs.
- Established Employee Resources Groups (ERG’s) that provide a safe space for employees to build relationships, connect, and develop initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion.
- Committed to giving back to improve our communities and environmental impact.
- Learning and development opportunities through established corporate programs, on and off-site trainings, and on-demand online learning courses.
Salary and Other Compensation
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The annual salary is $75,000.00, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Location
New hires will be aligned to the Cognizant office in Plano, TX, where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates. Applicants must be willing to relocate to this major geographic area.
Work Authorization
Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.
Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Cognizant is always looking for top talent. We are searching for candidates to fill future needs within the business. This job posting represents potential future employment opportunities with Cognizant. Although the position is not currently available, we want to provide you with the opportunity to express your interest in future employment opportunities with Cognizant. If a job opportunity that you may be qualified for becomes available in the future, we will notify you. At that time you can determine whether you would like to apply for the specific open position. Thank you for your interest in Cognizant career opportunities.
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
