Payroll Analyst

Salary : $90,393.68 - $106,340.21 Annually
Location : City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202100793
Location: Finance & Admin. - Payroll
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME


Job Summary


The Payroll Analyst performs complex accounting work of a specialized nature, coordinating and processing the City's semi-monthly payroll, reporting relating to state and federal payroll/tax regulations and laws, maintaining the automated payroll system database, and documenting procedures and practices related to payroll duties and tasks.


Distinguishing Characteristics: The Payroll Analyst position works in collaboration with incumbents in the same job classification to oversee the City's semi-monthly payroll. The payroll function is overseen by the Administrative Services Manager.


Essential Functions : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees the timely and accurate preparation of the City's semi-monthly payroll and related information; audits employee hours submitted by department timekeepers. Audits payroll register for completeness, resolves discrepancies, and corrects errors.
• Assures that all state and federal payroll and related tax regulations and laws are followed and that reporting requirements are met.
• Maintains automated payroll system database. Verifies payroll system is updated for new hires, terminations and transfers, wage and payroll deduction accounts for a variety of benefit programs, deductions, and taxes. Notifies management of payroll-related accounting system problems and recommends changes and improvements.
• Troubleshoots HR/Payroll and timekeeping system problems, reports technical issues to IT, tests system upgrades and reports functionality concerns to IT, assists with testing and implementing vendor solutions. Provides instructions to users in use of applications.
• Responsible for coordinating the implementation and maintenance of all payroll related vendor software programs.
• Tests and implements new payroll system pay, accrual and deduction codes. Updates existing codes as required by contract changes.
• Analyzes and interprets state and federal legislative impacts on payroll and implements changes in coordination with Human Resources to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of payments and reporting to various agencies including; IRS, pension providers, insurance carriers, state industrial insurance, unemployment security department and other retirement plan providers.
• Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure successful implementation of new benefit plans and plan changes.
• Works closely with timekeepers, HR, and Management to identify specific needs for payroll and timekeeping system enhancements.
• Reconciles and balances all deductions and benefits, including semi-monthly medical insurance payment transmittals for current employees.
• Responds to various external agencies' requests for information. Creates various payroll reports for management, including statistical analysis upon request. Retrieves and researches payroll-accounting records and data as requested by auditors.
• Interprets and implements provisions of bargaining unit agreements to assure that salary and benefit packages settled in labor contracts are accurately reflected in the payroll and timekeeping systems and consistent with City policy.
• Maintains and monitors accrued vacation, sick, holiday, overtime, and types of employee leaves and provides timely reports to departments.
• Assists in analysis by gathering and summarizing numerical and statistical data as directed; analyzes reasonableness of data and independently resolves discrepancies or inconsistencies.
• Coordinates and processes federal W-4 tax information to employees and year-end information to balance, print, and distribute W-2 forms. Responsible for accurate and timely reporting of year-end information to other government agencies.
• Processes employee wage assignments and garnishments; determines amount to be withheld and disburses funds to various agencies as required.
• Coordinates with and provides technical support and procedural information to department timekeepers and Human Resources Division.
• Answers employee payroll-related inquiries regarding payroll and labor contract information. Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure the accuracy of personnel information on the Human Resources system.
• Creates and maintains procedural documentation related to all payroll functions, duties, and tasks.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Assists in preparing annual budget by extracting financial records.
• Prepares specialized reports to assist in preparation of annual financial statements.
• Provides guidance and training to other finance staff responsible for payroll preparation.
• Responds to survey requests and verifications of employment data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Why Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!
If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and innovation.
We also invest in you!
Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.
Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.
Childcare Programs:To help address the challenge of reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has agreements with two local childcare providers that offer discounted rates for our employees at 10 locations within 20 miles of Kirkland. Learn more!
Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its e mployees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to apply complicated procedures in a variety of different situations.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently, with attention to technical details during rush situations and deadlines.
• Ability to create and implement working procedures for payroll staff and for department timekeepers.
• Ability to communicate technical financial information effectively both orally and in writing to employees, vendors, and other governmental agencies.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and communicate sensitively and effectively with employees and co-workers concerning individual payroll matters.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to process payroll and perform related accounting work.
• Ability to analyze technical system issues and recommend and implement solutions.
• Ability to mentor and train payroll personnel and provide instructions to end users in use of applications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Four-year degree in accounting or related field, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification
• Experience: 3 years' experience in public sector payroll or 5 years' experience in general payroll environment. Experience in the use of automated financial systems and use of office automation software, with special emphasis on spreadsheet software.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above

Other
Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Job is open until filled with first review by 15th day of original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.
This position includes a health insurance benefit package with 100% City-paid premiums for 1.0 FTE (medical/dental/vision for employee and dependents). Premium is prorated for less than 1.0 FTE positions with cost shared between City and the employee.


Participation in the Public Employees Retirement System is mandatory for all eligible positions.


Other employment benefits include:

• 401b Municipal Employee Benefits Trust (MEBT) with 6.2% City matching contribution
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA dollars with City contribution (City contribution depending on employee elected medical plan)
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Childcare
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City paid Life Insurance
• City paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Paid vacation (starts with 13 days first year may be prorated for part-time positions)
• Annual 12 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Paid sick leave accruals (benefit may vary based on applicable bargaining unit)
• Paid Management Leave for select leadership positions

Perks include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Free EV charging at Level 2 and 3 chargers
• Free ORCA card for public transit
• Access to onsite fitness center and secure bike storage at City Hall
• Free employee parking
• Childcare programs with discounted tuition rates
• Wellness and transportation incentives

For further review of City Benefits and Perks please visit