Payroll Administrator

Payroll Administrator

Transwest is seeking a Payroll Administrator to join and help lead our HR Team. The ideal candidate has deep payroll expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. This role is responsible for overseeing complex, multi-state payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and continual process improvement. You will partner closely with the Payroll Manager and serve as a subject-matter expert on payroll systems and regulations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy owning high-impact work, we'd love to see your resume!

We offer a full benefits package for eligible employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life (voluntary and employer paid) and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match beginning with your first contribution.
• HSA and/or FSA, as applicable
• Paid time off, sick time, and company paid holidays
• Employee car discount program

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Lead and execute bi-weekly, semi-monthly, multi-state, and off-cycle payrolls for 1,300+ employees with a high degree of accuracy.
• Oversee the preparation, entry, auditing, and approval of payroll data, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Serve as a payroll subject-matter expert for new hire processing, payroll system configuration, and data integrity.
• Prepare and review complex payroll reports for accounting, benefits, audits, and deferred compensation.
• Maintain organized and accurate payroll records in accordance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Partners with employees at all levels to address payroll inquiries with clarity, patience, and a solutions-first approach.
• Troubleshoot escalated payroll issues and provide guidance to HR, managers, and employees.
• Review and submit all payroll withholdings, including HSA, 401(k), garnishments, and other deductions.
• Process and audit final pay for terminated employees, ensuring statutory compliance.
• Partner with the Payroll Manager on garnishment administration and system enhancements.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll systems and employee data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational readiness.
• Identify, recommend, and help implement payroll process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Act as the departmental lead when the Payroll Manager is unavailable, providing direction and support to management.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation, reconciliations, and compliance reporting.
• Perform additional senior-level payroll duties as assigned.

Work environment and physical abilities:

• Requires sitting, standing, balancing, bending or stooping for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports.
• Requires working in a fast-paced environment.
• Requires the ability to occasional travel to local business locations, during business hours, about 5-10% of the time.

Required education, experience, knowledge & skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Valid driver's license and MVR in good standing.
• 3–5+ years of high-volume, multi-state payroll experience, preferably in an organization of 1,000+ employees.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll best practices, wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, data validation, etc.).
• Experience with Paylocity; experience with system implementations or configuration a plus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate payroll information clearly and professionally, with a customer-service approach and commitment to resolving employee concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and lead initiatives.
• Ability to successfully complete a General Abilities Assessment and pass a post-offer background check, physical, and drug screening.

Job details:

• Type: Salary
• Compensation range: $70,000 - $90,000
• Reports to: Payroll Manager
• Shift: 1st
• Closing date: Open until filled