Payroll Manager

Salary: $84,193.00 - $97,487.00 Annually
Location : Clark College Main Campus, Vancouver, WA
Job Type: FT Admin/Exempt
Job Number: 26-00068
Unit: Administrative Services
Department: Business Services
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 3:00 PM Pacific


Description
Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Payroll Manager position in the Business Services department. This position supports the College's mission by overseeing all Payroll services to the college community, which includes planning, implementing, and evaluating compliance processes; overseeing and managing employee payroll and deductions; and ensuring all withholdings are remitted to the correct agency. Reporting to the Director of Business Services, this position oversees payroll transactions for the College.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

Position Responsibilities

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise payroll staff by participating in the recruitment and selection process; assigning and scheduling work; providing training, guidance, and performance feedback; reviewing and acting on leave requests; conducting annual performance evaluations; and recommending corrective or disciplinary action
• Manage and oversee all payroll processing for the college, including verify accuracy of payrolls (two per month) and balance payrolls. Compute necessary adjustments, transfers, and hand-drawn payroll checks as needed. Interface with external agencies (IRS, L & I, DRS, etc.) as necessary and submit reporting.
• Coordinate payroll policies and procedures with the Accounting department, Office of People and Culture, Career Services, Office of Instruction, data processing, and State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
• Interpret and implement payroll regulations and coordinate with internal and external departments to make changes to policies and/or procedures when necessary.
• Investigate procedures and evaluate practices to improve services. Create new and revise existing procedures when payroll regulations change at the system, state and federal level.
• Train and coach staff when implementing new procedures and/or changes. Identify, provide, and encourage staff personal development training.
• Prepare and ensure accuracy of W-2 information.
• Process, answer and maintain Writs of Garnishment and Child Support withholdings
• Complete all portions of processing employee withholdings, along with remittance and IRS quarterly filings, both state and federal.
• Provide guidance and counseling to supervisors as well as employees related to payroll guidelines, time and labor compliance, and various withholding and deduction regulations
• Maintain and utilize spreadsheets to calculate annually contracted employees (i.e. administrators, exempt, and faculty).
• Attend college system commission meetings, offered in person and hybrid.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Common Duties Established by the College

• Serve as chair or member of designated College committees and teams.
• Provide leadership in accordance with the Mission and Vision established by the College.
• Ensure areas of responsibility operate effectively within the policies and procedures of the College and applicable governing agencies.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate employees in accordance with negotiated agreements, applicable state and federal laws, and College policies and procedures.
• Create a safe, bias-free working environment, which engenders respect for differences.
• Engage in and promote shared governance.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES:
Candidates will be evaluated based on application materials, including the supplemental questions and personal interview(s), and will be required to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

• Associate degree including 15 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting AND two (2) years of relevant professional experience OR four (4) years of professional payroll or accounting experience.
• Experience with a complex, automated financial management system.
• Proficient using advanced functions in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook and Word.
• Knowledge of accounting theory and practice and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Excellent communication skills in interpersonal, written, and group settings.

Supplemental Information

POSITION COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to use time and resources to complete work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080 . Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position .

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Clark College promotes work/life balance for employees.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary Range: $84,193-$97,487 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience).
Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., September 8, 2026.
REQUIRED ONLINE APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Clark College online application
• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

Please apply online at

To contact Clark College Office of People and Culture, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact the Office of People and Culture at View phone number on click.appcast.io or by video phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
SECURITY
The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, View phone number on click.appcast.io or The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here:
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work. Clark College does not currently sponsor H-1B visas.
CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online.
Clark College's Office of People and Culture supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

The Office of People and Culture aims to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people's practices - from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being, and community partnerships.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Thao Schmidt, Interim Associate Vice President, View phone number on click.appcast.io, , 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Office of People and Culture

August 18, 2026

26-00068
Clark College offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave; medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance as well as flexible spending account and tuition waiver.

Detailed information about health benefits can be found on our


Part-time temporary positions are generally ineligible for benefits.
01


Where did you first hear about this opportunity?

• Clark College Website
• Career Fair
• The Chronicle for Higher Education
• Craigslist
• DiversityJobs.com (Circa)
• Find.jobs
• Greater Vancouver Chamber
• HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
• HigherEdJobs.com
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• Indeed.com
• Local Media (Oregonian, OregonLive, Columbian, etc.)
• Partners in Diversity
• PinkJobs
• Portland Observer
• The Skanner
• Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
• United Latino Job Bank
• Urban League of PDX
• WorkSource
• Other (Job Interest Card, State Job Board, Word of Mouth, etc.)

02


Which best describes your level of education?

• None
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate

03


How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• None.
• One year to less than two years.
• Two years or more.

04


How many years of professional payroll or accounting experience do you have?

• None
• Less than one year.
• One year to less than two years.
• Two years to less than three years.
• Three years to less than four years.
• Four years or more.

05


Do you have experience with a complex, automated financial management system?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have experience using advanced functions in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook and Word?

• Yes
• No

07


Please describe your experience interpreting, implementing and explaining complicated state and federal regulations or policies related to payroll regulations. Include where you obtainied this experience.
08


Please describe your experience or training keeping accurate financial records or reconciling payroll transactions. Include specific tasks you performed and the complexity and volume that also indicate your ability to perform tasks accurately and rapidly.
09


Please describe your experience or training working with computerized human capital management system. Include the types of software you have used and how you used them.
10


Please describe how you practice equity-mindedness in decision-making, relationship building, and communication.
11


A cover letter describing background and experience related to the qualifications and responsibilities of the position is required. Have you attached this document to your application? If not, your application will be considered incomplete.

• Yes
• No

12


A resume is required to be submitted for this position. Have you included your resume in this online application? If not, your application will be considered incomplete.

• Yes
• No

13


Clark College requires at least three (3) references with your online application. References provided should be professional, such as a current/previous supervisor, colleague, etc. Personal references, such as a friend, family member, etc. can be provided if no professional references are available. For references, please provide the contact name, phone number and email address. References may be checked by phone or email. I have read over the above content and will submit reference content as requested.

• Yes
• No

14


Official transcripts/certifications are required by date of hire for the finalist(s) selected. If you are a finalist, how will you submit these transcripts?

• Electronic copies will be sent to the Office of People and Culture
• In person to the Office of People and Culture
• Mail hard copies to the Office of People and Culture
• I am an internal applicant giving permission to copy the transcripts on file
• I do not have transcripts, but I have the years of experience for this job position.

15


To meet accreditation standards, Clark College requires official transcripts of the required degree for the specific position you are hired for, to be provided by the first date of hireIf I were to be offered this position, I understand this requirement and am willing and able to comply. I recognize that if I do not have transcripts by the starting date, I will not be able to start working.

• Yes
• No, I do not have transcripts, but I have the years of experience for this job position.

Required Question