Payroll Specialist Job Kelso area,Washington USA,Accounting

Perform auditing and reporting functions on all County department payrolls to ensure they are accurate, authorized and timely. Advise the Auditor and other County departments on payroll and deduction matters. Perform and audit monthly, quarterly or annual reporting of mandated payroll deductions, employer contributions, as well as other individual deductions. Perform Licensing Specialist I duties during absences in the Licensing and Recording division and as time allows.

This position has the authority of a Deputy Auditor. Although the position reports to the Chief Accountant, it receives direction from other County finance and systems management staff regarding payroll systems, process and procedures.

This position is open through September 6th, 2026.

This position requires applicants to pass a test - NCRC Work Keys - no later than September 10th, 2026. See below for testing information:

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC).

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $90. LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays.

Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.

To schedule testing, individuals can register at or call the Testing Center directly at

Process semi-monthly payrolls for all County departments based on the department payroll reports after auditing. Audit all payroll data and supporting documentation. Compare preliminary payroll runs with worksheets, collaborate with departments to ensure accuracy, make necessary adjustments or request required supporting documentation.
Adjust individual employee pay, deductions, and/or taxes as needed to address possible system issues, HR and/or Finance matters.
Process, edit and post payroll (salary, benefits and deductions) to the general ledger. Report/transfer payroll information to the Treasurer’s Office for funding. Create/issue warrants/checks for payroll, destinations to each of the deductions and vendors.
Troubleshoot issues/errors with time and labor and payroll processes and/or outcomes.
Audit and maintain vacation, sick leave and compensatory time balances.
Process and track donated leave following applicable policy.
Calculate and process supplemental earnings for employees receiving time loss compensation.
Input and audit mandatory payroll deductions for Federal withholding such as Social Security and Income Tax;
State with holdings such as Department of Labor & Industries, Department of Retirement System and Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance; other legal deductions such as child support and financial/debt garnishments; as well as individual employee authorized deductions such as union/guild dues and other supplemental benefits payment deductions.
Process, audit and prepare the applicable monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and payment requirements for all employee payroll deductions and mandated employer contributions. Maintain accurate and organized payroll records and supporting information. Process and maintain individual employee legal and authorized deduction authorizations.
Compare monthly records against year-end totals for accuracy in final computation and issuance of W/2’s and W/3’s.
Conduct research of payroll information as requested by outside agencies such as IRS, Social Security, Department of Retirement Services, and Unemployment.
Process and issue other regular reports such as monthly statistical reports for the U.S. Department of Labor, Current Employee Statistical report, New Hire Report for DHSH, and quarterly reporting to the Administrative Office of the Courts for Superior Court Judges’ earnings.
Add and separate employees from the Retirement System. Report accurate breakdown of earnings of retired personnel for the final computation of pension amounts. Sort and distribute the employees’ annual report of savings contributions made to the Retirement System.
Rep…