Payroll Technician

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Job Listing to remain open until January 20th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Under the direction of the Finance Supervisor, the Payroll Technician performs responsible and confidential work involving the accurate and timely processing of payroll in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. This position also provides backup support for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting functions within the Finance Division.

• Process payroll for municipal employees, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and elected officials.
• Maintain accurate payroll and employee records, including pay rates, deductions, leave balances, and status changes.
• Calculate wages, overtime, retroactive pay, and special payments in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and municipal policies.
• Administer payroll deductions for taxes, retirement systems, insurance, garnishments, and other with holdings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Prepare and file payroll tax reports and forms, including quarterly filings & year-end W-2s.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and leave balances.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel information.

• Provide backup support for processing vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests.
• Verify invoice accuracy, coding, approvals, and compliance with municipal policies.
• Assist with check runs and electronic payments as assigned.
• Maintain vendor records and respond to vendor inquiries.
• Support accounts payable reconciliations and audit requests.

• Provide backup support for billing, invoicing, and collection of municipal revenues.
• Post payments, receipts, and adjustments to the accounting system.
• Balance daily cash receipts and assist with bank deposits.
  
  Respond to customer inquiries regarding billing and payment issues.
• Support accounts receivable reconciliations and reporting.

• Perform financial analyses related to assigned functions.
• Assist with month-end and year-end financial processes.
• Provide documentation and reports for internal and external audits.
• Participate in cross‑training and provide coverage for other finance functions as needed.
• Verify deposits; upload core‑cashiering file to general ledger.

• Any combination equivalent to an associate’s degree with emphasis in accounting.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of payroll processing experience.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulation, and basic accounting principles.
• Experience with payroll and financial software systems.
• Experience analyzing and implementing collective bargaining agreements.

• Experience in municipal or public‑sector finance.
• Familiarity with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger functions.
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements.
• Payroll certification;
  Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting methods and procedures.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• Preparation, review, and control of comprehensive accounting reports and accounts.
• Financial and statistical record‑keeping techniques.
• Payroll processing, reporting, and internal controls.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Customer service‑focused approach when working with employees, vendors, and the public.

• Office environment.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see and read documents and computer screens.
• Ability to speak and hear to exchange information.
• Ability to bend, reach, and retrieve files.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, and standard office equipment.

• Extended viewing of computer monitor.