Payroll Manager (Internal Only

Payroll Manager

This job opportunity is only open to OFM employees.

Please note:

the starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $98,016 - $120,000 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed. Why work for OFM? The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature.

Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you've found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!

The Office of Financial Management supports and improves government on behalf of all Washingtonians. The Fiscal and Operations Unit advances this mission by providing fiscal, facilities, and operational services to OFM, the Governor's Office, affiliated agencies, and the Office of Independent Investigations.

The candidate selected serves as the primary expert and point of contact for payroll, leave, and employee benefits. This position oversees semi-monthly payroll, leave, and benefit processes and supervises the payroll officer and three financial analysts. It also provides guidance to employees on fringe benefits, leave, out-of-state payroll reporting and taxation, and other payroll matters. The role ensures every payroll cycle is accurate, timely, and properly documented.

What you'll work on:

The candidate selected manages, leads, and reviews (as necessary) payroll, time, and benefit-related functions and actions for the Office of Financial Management, the Governor's Office, and the Office of Independent Investigations using a strict schedule of deadlines on rigid and varying schedules. The payroll manager also ensures that all payroll activities follow internal controls/audit trails and implements continuous improvement measures.

The Payroll Manager:

• Oversees semi-monthly payroll, leave, and benefit processing, supervising the payroll officer and financial analyst.
• Directs and reviews staff work to ensure accurate payroll processing within critical deadlines.
• Manages payroll systems, timekeeping, and the execution of taxes, levies, and garnishments.
• Consults with employees on payroll, leave, and benefits.
• Ensures compliance with tax laws, monitors legislative changes, and advises leadership on required actions.
• Leads complex payroll tax compliance for OFM, GOV, and OII in Washington and currently 12 other states.
• Ensures each payroll cycle is accurate, timely, and fully documented.
• Reviews and processes personnel and payroll actions in HRMS and PAY
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• Administers benefit program accounting, including PFML, Medical Aid, and Workers' Compensation payments.
• Partners with HCA, ESD, LNI, and DRS to resolve employee questions.
• Approves payments related to shared leave, garnishments, state income taxes, and miscellaneous deductions.
• Oversees payroll reporting, quarterly tax deposits, periodic returns, personnel forms, timecards, annual leave actuals, W2s, and 1099s, if necessary.
• Approves payments to beneficiaries of deceased employees as required by SAAM.
• Analyzes payroll, leave, and benefit data for audits, research, and corrective actions.
• Approves payroll revolving fund activities and annual federal reporting.
• Manages DRS ERA access and corrections related to wages and hours.
• Maintains HRMS cost distribution, payroll records, and position funding across divisions and agencies.
• Provides consultation on policies that impact payroll, in addition to drafting and updating policies, as necessary.

What you need to bring:

• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership of payroll principles, practices, and procedures, including payroll processing, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting principles, internal controls, auditing practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as they relate to payroll operations.
• Understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements affecting payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience performing payroll administration functions using payroll, human resources, or financial management systems.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex payroll data, regulations, policies, and procedures to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to communicate complex payroll, accounting, and regulatory information clearly and effectively to employees, management, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in developing, implementing, and monitoring payroll processes and…