Payroll Specialist I or Sr.

$60,237 - $75,296/Yr

Chelan County Pud - Wenatchee, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Wenatchee, WA

Utilities

About the position

The Payroll Specialist position at Chelan County PUD is designed to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees. This role is critical in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as adhering to District policies and the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for processing employee time and labor data, verifying data loads, and reconciling variances. They will run payroll system processes and reports to create, calculate, verify, and confirm payroll, ensuring that all wage calculations, deductions, and payroll records are accurate. The position also involves preparing and submitting payroll reports and payments to various stakeholders, including District managers, auditors, and governmental agencies. In addition to processing payroll, the Payroll Specialist will provide customer service for payroll-related inquiries, supporting supervisors and time-entry operators. They will maintain accurate employee payroll records and departmental files, detect and correct discrepancies, and contribute to continuous process improvements within the payroll function. The role requires a strong understanding of payroll best practices, federal and state regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. The Payroll Specialist will also be expected to keep informed of changes in payroll-related laws and regulations, ensuring that the payroll process remains compliant and efficient. The position is available at two levels: Payroll Specialist I and Payroll Specialist Senior, depending on the qualifications of the selected applicant. The Senior level requires more experience and the ability to work independently with minimal assistance, while the I level is suitable for those with less experience in payroll administration. Both roles emphasize the importance of reliability and presence in the workplace, as payroll is a critical function that impacts all employees.

Responsibilities

• Process employee time and labor data to payroll, verify data load, and reconcile variances.
• Run payroll system processes and reports to create, calculate, verify, and confirm payroll.
• Audit and reconcile wage calculations, deductions, and other payroll records loaded.
• Enter one-time payroll adjustments and process employee paychecks, direct deposits, and statements of earnings and deductions.
• Run payroll distribution to the general ledger and projects.
• Assist in the reconciliation and analysis of the HR Accounting Line and general ledger payroll accounts.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely payroll reports and payments to District managers, auditors, governmental agencies, and vendors.
• Run daily reports to audit time entries and reconcile variances.
• Support the efforts of time-entry and supervisors on payroll duties.
• Act as a main point of contact for payroll and provide customer service to employees and management.
• Maintain accurate employee time and payroll records and departmental files.
• Detect, reconcile, and correct data discrepancies.
• Provide continuous process improvements to payroll administrative functions.
• Create and maintain procedures for payroll operations and functions.
• Keep informed of current payroll-related tax and deduction laws and upcoming changes.

Requirements

• Associate Degree (A. A.) with an emphasis on payroll, accounting, or bookkeeping is required.
• 3+ years' experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll administration or closely related activities in a small to medium size organization is required for Payroll Specialist I.
• 5+ years increasingly responsible experience processing payroll, applying tax laws, and performing associated reporting is required for Payroll Specialist Senior.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state regulations including Payroll and HR labor laws.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and how they work.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree (B. A., B. S.) in Business Administration or related field is desired for Payroll Specialist I.
• Bachelor's Degree (B. A., B. S.) in Business Administration or related field is preferred for Payroll Specialist Senior.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is preferred for Payroll Specialist Senior.

Benefits

• Zero cost employer funded medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits.
• Access to the employee assistance program.
• VEBA health reimbursement account.
• Long-term care benefits.
• Washington state retirement PERS participation and optional 457 plan participation with an employer matching 401(a) plan.
• Paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 with tenure.
• 11 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Paid jury duty, short-term disability & long-term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life.
• Optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Educational assistance and various rewards and recognition programs.