Description

Position Summary: 

The Payroll Specialist provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of district payroll and benefit functions.  Position is responsible for accurate, timely, and legally compliant payroll processing for over 500 certificated, classified, and administrative employees, including substitutes and coaches. This position ensures compliance with Washington State laws, collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal and state regulations, while supporting district goals through effective systems, controls, and customer service.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Perform and direct all payroll operations for the district, including monthly payroll 
• Ensure compliance with Washington State requirements, including but not limited to:
• Department of Retirement Systems (PERS, TRS, SERS)
• WA Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
• Labor & Industries (L&I)
• IRS, FLSA and applicable state and federal laws
• New Hire reporting
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and district policies and procedures related to compensation and leave 

Under direction of the Chief Financial Officer, prepare annual payroll budget within district’s financial system

• Responsible for:
• SEBB Processing 
• W-2s, payroll taxes and quarterly 941s  
• Quarterly PFML and Unemployment reporting and payments
• VEBA administrative reporting and processing
• Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b)s & Deferred Compensation Program
• Leave cashout payments
• CRDC reporting
• Substitute reporting
• Employee leave accounting
• Supervise, train, and evaluate payroll staff 
• Promote professional growth and high-quality customer service
• Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations, and reporting 
• Collaborate closely with Finance and HR departments
• Lead payroll audits and respond to internal and external audit requests
• Recommend policy and procedures as applicable to position
• Maintain/archive payroll records as required 
• Manage payroll system configuration, testing, upgrades, and process improvements
• Develop and maintain internal controls, procedures, and documentation related to payroll, benefits and related taxes and laws
• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries, contract negotiations and issue resolution
• Disseminate payroll and benefit information to employees as appropriate
• Other payroll related duties as assigned or needed

Requirements

Job Requirements - Qualifications:

High School diploma/transcript or recognized equivalent (GED)
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including supervisory or management experience
Experience with public-sector or school district payroll operations
Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State payroll laws and retirement systems (PERS, TRS, SERS)
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet ongoing, frequent deadlines
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret contracts, regulations, and complex payroll data
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field
Experience working in a Washington State public school district
Experience with complex payroll environments and multiple bargaining units
Knowledge of school district accounting and budget practices
Proficient in Google Workspace
Experience with Skyward or Qmlativ
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Primarily office-based with standard business hours; extended hours will be required during peak payroll cycles
Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer