Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Opportunity Description Seattle Colleges District is looking to hire a Payroll and Benefits Partner in the Human Resources department. Salary Range $63,144 to $84,864 annually (depending on experience). Position Summary Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll and Benefits Partner will manage complex, professional-level payroll, benefits, compensation, and classification assignments. The position consults with and provides expert assistance to managers, staff, and the public on inquiries and service requests, explaining applicable policies, rules, and regulations. It independently applies specialized knowledge and judgment to resolve technical and paraprofessional problems, interprets and enforces payroll, benefits, and HR rules, and ensures the accuracy of payroll and benefits documents and records. The role is responsible for record accuracy, exercises decision‑making authority, initiates corrective action within established guidelines, and requires regular on‑site presence at designated campuses to provide payroll support. It may direct the work of classified, student, work‑study, and temporary employees. Work schedule: full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, hybrid (remote and on‑site). The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with WFSE representation. About Us We are a district of three distinct colleges—North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College—plus five specialty training centers, making us the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington. We lead in change and innovation and are committed to recruiting staff who create a welcoming academic climate for a diverse community. Benefits Competitive pay rates Promotional opportunities Great medical, dental, and retirement plans Paid sick and vacation leave Transportation benefits Tuition waivers PEBB wellness plan Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Staff and faculty also enjoy professional development and enrichment opportunities. Application Procedures Current resume Cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job Required application materials must be completed and submitted online. Notice to Applicants Interviews will be held virtually via Zoom or Teams. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Seattle Colleges does not sponsor visas and cannot extend OPT to F‑1 STEM students. What You Will Be Working On Serve as team/project leader in the payroll department and primary data entry in the HRIS system. Respond to inquiries and provide information on payroll, benefits, and HR policies and procedures. Lead responses to complex department emails and service tickets. Conduct surveys of other employers’ practices and implement revisions to HR programs. Identify and recommend training topics; develop and deliver presentations and training programs. Assist with employment examinations, employee training and orientation, salary surveys, benefit enrollment, and temporary appointments. Analyze, summarize, and report data; maintain accurate records and coordinate HRIS maintenance. Prepare organizational structure charts and other reports. Review and ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll and benefits documents. Assist in developing and implementing HR procedures and recommending changes. Manage confidential employee information per FERPA, HIPAA, and state retention schedules. Support responses to employment verification, unemployment, workers’ compensation, and group insurance claims. Conduct job analyses, develop examinations, participate in interview processes, evaluate, and refer candidates. Analyze and recommend allocation of positions; recommend classification and salary changes. Participate in recruitment activities, including screening interviews and examination administration. May direct the work of others. What You Bring as a Candidate Four or more years of office experience, including at least six months in a human‑resources or related setting, or equivalent education/experience. At least two years of payroll processing experience, managing end‑to‑end payroll cycles. Experience administering employee benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement, leave). Experience with HRIS or similar enterprise systems for data entry, reporting, and record maintenance; experience with payroll and benefits administration tools. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and formulas such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP. Knowledge of federal, state, and local wage laws (e.g., FLSA, tax withholding). Experience ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance with audits and reporting requirements. High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organizational and time‑management skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation Persons with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources. Office Setting Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare materials. Ability to communicate with supervisors, leads, co‑workers, and students. Ability to provide one‑to‑one support, present to small groups, and use a computer with repetitive hand motion. Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and typical office noise. Notice of Non‑Discrimination Statement Seattle Colleges is committed to equal opportunity for all students, employees, and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, or citizenship status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified persons with disabilities. Students and employees may contact the Title IX or ADA/Section 504 Coordinators for discrimination or harassment matters. Background Check Statement Prior to hiring, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. The information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment. Candidates will also complete a Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required. #J-18808-Ljbffr