Payroll Specialist

Salary : $58,596.00 - $68,928.00 Annually
Location : 207 4th Ave. N, Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-019
Department: Auditor
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 1262


General Position Summary
Perform auditing and reporting functions on all County department payrolls to ensure they are accurate, authorized and timely. Advise the Auditor and other County departments on payroll and deduction matters. Perform and audit monthly, quarterly or annual reporting of mandated payroll deductions, employer contributions, as well as other individual deductions. Perform Licensing Specialist I duties during absences in the Licensing and Recording division and as time allows. This position has the authority of a Deputy Auditor. Although the position reports to the Chief Accountant, it receives direction from other County finance and systems management staff regarding payroll systems, process and procedures.
This position is open through September 6th, 2026.
This position requires applicants to pass a test - NCRC Work Keys - no later than September 10th, 2026. See below for testing information:
Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys - National Career Readiness Test (NCRC).

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $90. LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays.


Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.


To schedule testing, individuals can register at : or call the Testing Center directly at View phone number on click.appcast.io

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. 1. Process semi-monthly payrolls for all County departments based on the department payroll reports after auditing. Audit all payroll data and supporting documentation. Compare preliminary payroll runs with worksheets, collaborate with departments to ensure accuracy, make necessary adjustments or request required supporting documentation.
   2. Adjust individual employee pay, deductions, and/or taxes as needed to address possible system issues, HR and/or Finance matters.
   3. Process, edit and post payroll (salary, benefits and deductions) to the general ledger. Report/transfer payroll information to the Treasurer's Office for funding. Create/issue warrants/checks for payroll, destinations to each of the deductions and benefits vendors.
   4. Troubleshoot issues/errors with time and labor and payroll processes and/or outcomes.
   5. Audit and maintain vacation, sick leave and compensatory time balances.
   6. Process and track donated leave following applicable policy.
   7. Calculate and process supplemental earnings for employees receiving time loss compensation.
   8. Input and audit mandatory payroll deductions for Federal withholding such as Social Security and Income Tax; State withholdings such as Department of Labor & Industries, Department of Retirement System and Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance; other legal deductions such as child support and financial/debt garnishments; as well as individual employee authorized deductions such as union/guild dues and other supplemental benefits payment deductions.
   9. Process, audit and prepare the applicable monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and payment requirements for all employee payroll deductions and mandated employer contributions. Maintain accurate and organized payroll records and supporting information. Process and maintain individual employee legal and authorized deduction authorizations.
   10. Compare monthly records against year-end totals for accuracy in final computation and issuance of W/2's and W/3's.
   11. Conduct research of payroll information as requested by outside agencies such as IRS, Social Security, Department of Retirement Services, and Unemployment.
   12. Process and issue other regular reports such as monthly statistical reports for the U.S. Department of Labor, Current Employee Statistical report, New Hire Report for DHSH, and quarterly reporting to the Administrative Office of the Courts for Superior Court Judges' earnings.
   13. Add and separate employees from the Retirement System. Report accurate breakdown of earnings of retired personnel for the final computation of pension amounts. Sort and distribute the employees' annual report of savings contributions made to the Retirement System.
   14. Report data to Department of Retirement Services for Non-LEOFF Employer Compensation. Generate invoice for additional contributions owed by Cowlitz County. Process said invoice for payment by Accounts Payable.
   15. Monitor US Bank account notifications for rejected employee direct deposit information.
   16. Process employee paybacks for wage overpayments and deposit funds received with Treasurer's Office.
   17. Perform audit of Auditor's Office recording receipts.
   18. Process Auditor's Office invoices for timely payment.
   19. Process daily cashier deposit.
   20. Assists the AP Accountant with accounts payable and serves as a backup to the AP Accountant.
   21. Perform vehicle and vessel title and registration transactions and assist the public at the counter, by telephone, and by mail, serving as a backup to Licensing Specialist staff.
   22. Accurately collect fees. Promptly make change for incoming monies. Balance cash to work and Department of Licensing computer system. Prepare bank deposit.
   23. Complete Department of Licensing training as required to perform vehicle and vessel title and registration transactions.
   24. Perform other clerical duties to support and cover for other functions and services provided by the Auditor's Office.
   25. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Present recommendations to improve own processes and department's efficiency.
   26. Attend employer sponsored training or seminars. Share/communicate information/knowledge that will benefit the department and the County.
   27. Perform other duties as assigned.

NOTE: The duties listed above are divided and assigned amongst two County Payroll Specialists in the Auditor's Office. These duties may be assigned permanently or rotated amongst them, as cross-training permits it. They will assist each other as needed or assigned in order to fulfill the responsibilities and services of the Auditor's Office.
Minimum Qualifications

1. 1. High School diploma or equivalent.
   2. Must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys-National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.
   3. Ten (10) college level accounting credits and two (2) years of accounting experience including payroll processing, development and oversight of payroll processes and programs, and customer service. Or, any combination of education, training and experience in accounting and/or payroll equivalent to three (3) years.
   4. Experience and proficiency in the use and operation of personal computers and the following software: MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Internet applications.
   5. Current certification as a DOL Vehicle Licensing Representative (VLR) preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. 1. Interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and county employees requiring services. Develop and maintain effective good working relationships with department staff, other county employees and department heads, outside agencies, and the public.
   2. Technical knowledge and application of modern business accounting principals, math and bookkeeping practices. Develop the expertise necessary to address technical and large payrolls and respond to inquiries. Handle cash transactions accurately.
   3. Possess excellent organizational skills in order to maintain efficient and excellent records and file systems. Effectively prioritize tasks and manage time to work under strict date and timelines.
   4. Develop and prepare effective reports and effectively audit or proofread documents.
   5. Work well in a cooperative and teamwork environment.
   6. Effectively communicate in oral and written professional business-like manner. Professional English language and grammar skills. Effectively relay information and work instructions to other department payroll.
   7. Ongoing pursuit to upgrade skills, share knowledge and ideas to improve payroll functions.
   8. Maintain a professional appearance.
   9. Exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department, the County, Personnel and Payroll matters. Understand the laws and protocols regarding sharing or responding to requests for confidential information.
   10. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.

01


Have you previously taken the NCRC ACT/Work Keys test in the past 5 years and passed with a Level 4 (Silver) or higher?

• Yes
• No

Required Question