Payroll & Benefits Specialist Issaquah, WA

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support payroll, benefits, and core HR operations for a growing organization in Preston, Washington. This role combines hands-on payroll administration with employee support, compliance coordination, and selected accounting duties. The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, sound judgment when handling sensitive matters, and the ability to work across payroll, benefits, and finance processes.

Responsibilities:

• Administer end-to-end payroll processing for employees across applicable jurisdictions, ensuring accurate pay, deductions, and benefit with holdings are completed on schedule.
• Prepare and validate payroll records for year-end reporting, including tax documentation, retirement contributions, and related reconciliations.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding pay, taxes, deductions, and benefits, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Support hiring and workforce planning efforts by partnering with leaders on recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, retention, and succession-related activities.
• Advise managers on employee relations matters and help carry out established HR procedures involving accommodations, investigations, disciplinary actions, and separations when needed.
• Evaluate compensation and benefits trends, recommend program updates, and help maintain competitive offerings that support attraction and retention goals.
• Coordinate training activities in partnership with internal stakeholders to support employee development and operational quality standards.
• Maintain compliance with employment laws and HR best practices by reviewing policies, monitoring regulatory requirements, and supporting documentation needs.
• Complete assigned accounting tasks such as daily cash reporting, bank and general ledger reconciliations, non-purchase-order invoice processing, and audit support for financial, insurance, and retirement plan reviews.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives as requested by senior leadership or the Controller.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000.

Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• STD/LTD
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 401k w/ match
• 15 days PTO
• 8 paid holidays