Workday Adaptive Principal Consultant at Cognizant

Australia

The Principal Consultant – Adaptive Planning is a delivery role responsible for leading complex workstreams and end‑to‑end solution delivery within Workday Adaptive Planning implementations. This role bridges hands‑on configuration and design with solution leadership and client engagement. The Principal Consultant operates with a high degree of autonomy, owns functional outcomes across one or more workstreams, and acts as a trusted advisor to clients while escalating strategically and partnering closely with Senior Principal Consultants and Engagement Managers. Key Responsibilities: Lead the design, configuration, testing, and implementation of Workday Adaptive Planning solutions across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and FP&A use cases Own one or more functional workstreams end‑to‑end, including scope, solution quality, timelines, and client engagement Translate complex business requirements into scalable, best‑practice Adaptive Planning solutions Facilitate client design workshops and solution walkthroughs with minimal supervision Identify cross‑workstream dependencies and proactively manage risks and delivery issues Act as a primary day‑to‑day client contact for assigned workstreams Support project planning, estimates, and delivery inputs in collaboration with Engagement Managers Contribute to practice assets, accelerators, and reusable artefacts Duties & Tasks: Lead Adaptive Planning model design including versions, dimensions, sheets, assumptions, and calculations Design and oversee complex financial models and reporting structures aligned to client FP&A processes Guide data integration and migration activities, working closely with integration and data teams Lead UAT planning and execution, including defect triage and resolution Ensure high‑quality documentation including design decisions, test scripts, and handover materials Provide regular status updates and risk assessments to Engagement Manager Actively participate in internal enablement, knowledge‑sharing, and capability‑building initiatives Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or equivalent experience 4–7 years of experience in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, or performance management roles (end user or implementer) 2+ years of Workday Adaptive Planning or equivalent planning tool implementation experience Experience leading solution design and delivery workstreams on medium to large implementations Prior consulting experience is strongly preferred Skills & Competencies: Strong expertise in Workday Adaptive Planning (or equivalent planning platforms such as Anaplan, TM1, Hyperion, OneStream) Deep understanding of FP&A processes, financial modelling, and management reporting Proven ability to lead design sessions and articulate solutions to senior finance stakeholders Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and solution‑driven mindset Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong stakeholder and relationship management capabilities #LI-Remote Why choose Cognizant: Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas Opportunity to do great work Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs Cognizant Core Values: Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other’s strengths to win as a team. Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver. Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what’s possible. Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice. Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community. Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. As one of the world’s leading professional services companies, we help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. Founded in 1994 as a technology development arm of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, we were spun off as an independent company in 1996, and have worked closely with large organizations to help them build stronger businesses ever since. Today, Cognizant engineers modern businesses to improve everyday life, helping some of the world’s most established companies remain the most loved brands. In today’s fast-changing technology landscape, we work with our clients to advance every aspect of how they serve their customers: digitizing their products, services and customer experiences; automating their business processes; and modernizing their technology infrastructures. Cognizant’s Workday practice was formed in 2020 through the acquisition of Collaborative Solutions, a leading global finance and HR transformation consultancy. Our 1,700+ experts provide full lifecycle services—advisory, deployment, and post-production—using our proven, proprietary tools. With headquarters in the US and a rapidly expanding footprint that extends from India and China to Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East, we’re committed to building digital talent all around the globe so everyone can benefit from the full spectrum of human ingenuity. We collaborate locally with clients, in person and in their local languages. We believe that the opportunity presented by technology has never been greater, and because of that opportunity, Cognizant will continue to work with clients to modernize their businesses, making everyday life even better for them, their customers and the communities they serve. Our Commitment to Inclusion: 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, state or local laws. Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information. Notice of E-Verify Participation Right To Work poster Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision Cognizant EEO Policy