Payroll Assistant

Payroll Assistant

The Payroll Assistant ensures the timely and accurate processing of multi-state payroll operations by preparing and validating payroll data, reconciling payroll-related information, and processing routine payroll transactions. The Payroll Assistant works closely with Payroll, Human Resources, and department leaders to ensure payroll records are maintained accurately, deductions and earnings are applied correctly, payroll documentation is complete and organized, and to help meet payroll deadlines. This position maintains strict confidentiality while supporting compliance with company policies and applicable wage and tax regulations.

**This position requires you to work onsite and commute daily to Liberty Lake, WA** Job/Requirements/Outcomes

• Ensure employees are paid accurately and payroll is processed on schedule by reviewing timecards, earnings, deductions, benefit changes, and payroll reports. Perform pre- and post-payroll validation checks, safeguard confidential information, follow internal review processes, and ensure adherence to company policies and applicable wage and tax regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and resource for employees by responding to payroll related questions and requests with professionalism, accuracy, and timeliness. Prepare routine payroll reports, assist employees and leaders with payroll inquiries, and identify opportunities to improve processes that enhance service, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll transactions and related data between payroll systems, reports, and the general ledger by researching and resolving discrepancies, validating payroll postings, and maintaining documentation and internal controls that support accurate payroll processing and financial reporting.

Other Essential Functions

• Represent the Payroll Team by providing timely, professional and friendly communication to all we encounter, including staff, members and vendors.
• Support departmental initiatives and projects by contributing as an effective project team member and completing all tasks and assignments in a timely manner.
• Assists leadership and payroll with support functions, suggest recommendations and communicate through presentations and/or reports.
• Serve as the point of contact for employee questions related to payroll earnings and payroll deductions by promoting STCU's culture and maintaining relationships with employees, leaders, and Human Resources.
• Prepare, organize, and validate payroll data using spreadsheets and internal payroll systems to support efficient payroll processing.
• Ensure proper accounting controls by completing daily processes timely and accurately.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required or equivalent work experience.

Certifications: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.

Job Experience: Minimum two years of payroll, accounting or finance experience required. Experience with multi-state payroll processing is preferred.

Software Skills: Proficient knowledge of MS Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams. Experience with payroll software preferred.

Other Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and stressful situations with empathy and professionalism. High level of integrity and discretion, with the ability to handle confidential information and comply with ethical and legal standards. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.

Equipment Skills: Proficient with 10-key calculator.

Physical Demands Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 10 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Travel Demands Minimal travel to conferences required and may include overnight stays in distant cities.