Director of Payroll

POSITION: #027-ADM-02-26

Director of Payroll

District Office

8 hours per day / 260 Days Per Year

Salary: $97,671 - $128,958

Start date Information: The current Director of Payroll is retiring at the end of September. We will hire this position with a start date of May 1, 2026, if possible, to allow for cross‑training.

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION:

Manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of employee payroll to include analytical and technical work in connection with the timely and accurate execution in completing the payroll cycle. Work closely with Human Resources to implement benefits administration including SEBB, retirement and leave processing.

• Manage and coordinate monthly payroll processing for payroll accuracy and proper posting to the financial system.
• Schedule and initiate proper sequencing of payroll cycle.
• Maintain current knowledge of and understanding of payroll functions such as, but not limited to, FICA, federal and state with holdings.
• Generate audits and analyze a multitude of payroll reports and calculations to ensure payroll accuracy, audits/verifies work from the HR department and makes mathematical computations in order to make any necessary adjustments to employee salaries including but not limited to: retro for base salary, retro for extra pay and calculations of monthly pay.
• Complete monthly, quarterly and annual reports to various entities including IRS, Department of Retirement, Deferred Compensation Program, SEBB, FSA/DCAP, HSA, Workers Compensation and Unemployment Cooperatives, Employment Security Department/PFML, DSHS and VEBA.
• Coordinate with HR on a variety of pay issues such as new hires, employee authorizations, terminations, and salary/assignment determination to ensure correct pay.
• Answer employee inquiries, research, resolve and/or refer questions.
• Answer and process wage garnishments.
• Prepare, file and distribute W‑2s.
• Maintain a high level of internal controls consistent with good accounting practices.
• Assist auditors and provide required/requested information in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with HR to facilitate open enrollment for existing staff and new hires in the SEBB benefits program and annual benefit fair.
• Administer retirement system eligibility and reporting, and Department of Revenue, employment security and social security reports.
• Calculate and account for leave usages and balance in accordance with separate CBAs.
• Administer sick leave buy‑back program and leave carry‑over calculations.
• Develop and process timesheets in preparation for payroll.
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned.

• Minimum associate’s degree in an appropriate field and progressively responsible job‑related experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years job‑related experience demonstrating the ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision and function in a dynamic, fast‑paced, continually changing team environment with frequent interruptions.
• School district experience strongly preferred, with additional emphasis on use of Skyward/WSIPC.
• Knowledge of payroll terminology, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Knowledge of tax laws and reporting in relation to payroll.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, recognize, and protect highly confidential information.
• Skill and accuracy in arithmetic and mathematical calculations.
• Skill and accuracy in 10‑key operation.
• Skill in detecting errors and verifying data.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse, socio‑economic backgrounds.
• Experience demonstrating excellent customer service abilities, interpersonal skills, team‑player attitude, and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• High level of attention to, and management of, detailed information.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills and ability to think quickly.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to compose and proof correspondence.
• Working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel; advanced knowledge of Excel strongly preferred.
• Must be…