Director of Payroll

This posting is for the Director of Payroll for the Chehalis School District for the 2026/27 school year. This is a Classified, Exempt, Non-Represented position. It is 8 hours per day, 260 days per year, which includes holidays and vacation days. The position is open until filled. For best consideration, apply by March 9, 2026.

• Resume
• Letter of Interest including how the candidate meets the qualifications
• Three (3) Reference Letters
• Copies of academic transcripts

The Director of Payroll 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.

• 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
• Benefits Administrator for SEBB; medical, dental, vision coverage for eligible employees; also, Long-term disability insurance, Life insurance, Health savings accounts, Flexible spending accounts and Dependent Care Assistance Program
• Under direction of the Chief Financial Officer, prepare annual payroll budget within district’s financial system
• Responsible for:
  • W-2s, 1095s, 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
• Provide support for Workers Compensation Claims and Unemployment Hearings
• 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

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field
• 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

• 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

• Primarily…