Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The Office of Financial Management supports and improves government on behalf of all Washingtonians. The Fiscal and Operations Unit advances this mission by providing fiscal, facilities, and operational services to OFM, the Governor's Office, affiliated agencies, and the Office of Independent Investigations.

The candidate selected serves as the primary expert and point of contact for payroll, leave, and employee benefits. This position oversees semi-monthly payroll, leave, and benefit processes and supervises the payroll officer and three financial analysts. It also provides guidance to employees on fringe benefits, leave, out-of-state payroll reporting and taxation, and other payroll matters. The role ensures every payroll cycle is accurate, timely, and properly documented.

The candidate manages, leads, and reviews (as necessary) payroll, time, and benefit-related functions and actions for the Office of Financial Management, the Governor's Office, and the Office of Independent Investigations using a strict schedule of deadlines on rigid and varying schedules. The payroll manager also ensures that all payroll activities follow internal controls/audit trails and implements continuous improvement measures.

The Payroll Manager:

• Oversees semi-monthly payroll, leave, and benefit processing, supervising the payroll officer and financial analyst.
• Directs and reviews staff work to ensure accurate payroll processing within critical deadlines.
• Manages payroll systems, timekeeping, and the execution of taxes, levies, and garnishments.
• Consults with employees on payroll, leave, and benefits.
• Ensures compliance with tax laws, monitors legislative changes, and advises leadership on required actions.
• Leads complex payroll tax compliance for OFM, GOV, and OII in Washington and currently 12 other states.
• Ensures each payroll cycle is accurate, timely, and fully documented.
• Reviews and processes personnel and payroll actions in HRMS and PAY1.
• Administers benefit program accounting, including PFML, Medical Aid, and Workers' Compensation payments.
• Partners with HCA, ESD, LNI, and DRS to resolve employee questions.
• Approves payments related to shared leave, garnishments, state income taxes, and miscellaneous deductions.
• Oversees payroll reporting, quarterly tax deposits, periodic returns, personnel forms, timecards, annual leave actuals, W2s, and 1099s, if necessary.
• Approves payments to beneficiaries of deceased employees as required by SAAM.
• Analyzes payroll, leave, and benefit data for audits, research, and corrective actions.
• Approves payroll revolving fund activities and annual federal reporting.
• Manages DRS ERA access and corrections related to wages and hours.
• Maintains HRMS cost distribution, payroll records, and position funding across divisions and agencies.
• Provides consultation on policies that impact payroll, in addition to drafting and updating policies, as necessary.

What you need to bring:

• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership of payroll principles, practices, and procedures, including payroll processing, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting principles, internal controls, auditing practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as they relate to payroll operations.
• Understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements affecting payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience performing payroll administration functions using payroll, human resources, or financial management systems.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex payroll data, regulations, policies, and procedures to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to communicate complex payroll, accounting, and regulatory information clearly and effectively to employees, management, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in developing, implementing, and monitoring payroll processes and internal controls to ensure operational effectiveness and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize work effectively, and meet critical deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners while providing responsive customer service.
• Demonstrated skill in preparing, reviewing, and maintaining accurate payroll records, reports (HRMS, WWA, and Enterprise Reporting), and financial documentation.
• Ability to lead process improvements and support organizational goals through effective problem-solving, planning, and decision-making.

Preferred/desired education, experience, and competencies:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field
• 5 years of payroll and/or human resources experience within Washington State. Specified experience in payroll or budgeting may substitute for education.
• 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and the Health Care Authority's 24-7 benefit system.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using HRMS and PAY1 for the State of Washington.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using AFRS, Enterprise Reporting, Washington Workforce Analytics (WWA), MyPortal, and other accounting and leave systems.
• Reconciliation skills related to the payroll revolving account 035.
• Understanding of state and federal tax requirements, 941's, PFML and L&I quarterly reporting.
• Working knowledge of other state income tax payment processes and periodic reporting requirements.
• Understanding of State policies and laws, i.e., State Administrative and Accounting Manual SAAM), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
• Understanding of State retirement plans administered through DRS, i.e., PERS, TERS, etc.
• Strong technical skills in order to produce high-quality work products using multiple types of Microsoft products
• The ability to complete multiple and high-priority assignments by utilizing good judgment, managing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent to advanced skills utilizing Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• The ability and competence to create ad hoc reports from Webi, as needed.
• Certification and licensure as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

We are committed to finding the candidate whose skills and experience align best with this role. We recognize that strong candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences. If your qualifications align with the role and you excel in collaborative environments, can manage competing priorities, and are committed to equitable and inclusive practices, we encourage you to apply.