Payroll Technician

Job Overview

Basic Function:
Under the direction of the Finance Supervisor, the Payroll Technician is responsible for accurate and timely processing of payroll in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. The role 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 and 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.

• Accounts Payable: Process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests; verify accuracy, coding, and approvals; assist with check runs and electronic payments; maintain vendor records; support reconciliations and audit requests.
• Accounts Receivable: Support billing, invoicing, and collection of municipal revenues; post payments and adjustments; balance daily cash receipts; respond to customer inquiries; support reconciliations and reporting.
• General Accounting: Perform financial analyses; assist with month‑end and year‑end processes; provide documentation for audits; participate in cross‑training; verify deposits and upload core‑cashiering file to the general ledger.

• Associate’s degree with emphasis in accounting (or equivalent experience).
• Three to four 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 (CPP or FPC).

• Understanding of GAAP and governmental accounting methods.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with the State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• Preparation, review, and control of comprehensive accounting reports.
• Financial and statistical record‑keeping techniques.
• Payroll processing, reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and customer service orientation.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

• Office environment.
• Ability to sit extended periods, see to read documents and screens, speak and hear effectively, bend, reach, retrieve files, and operate a computer keyboard.
• Extended viewing of computer monitor.

This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees, the collective bargaining agreement, City policies, and plan booklets for details.

The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch. Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

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