Payroll/Personnel Administrator

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Payroll/Personnel (Pay/Pers) Administrator is responsible for supervising the payroll and human resources functions of the NWESD and is involved with the interpretation of payroll and human resources laws and regulations, policy research, documentation, preparation, and distribution. The Pay/Pers Administrator may be called upon to assist with confidential and sensitive personnel issues and/or situations, and provide technical support within the field of human resource management for the NWESD and for regional districts.

Essential Functions:

• Establishes and administers effective and efficient NWESD payroll/human resources processes; Family and Medical Leave, benefit plan administration including the Department of Retirement Systems and Health Care Authority, personnel budgeting, recruitment/selection, workers’ compensation, performance management, personnel record-keeping, annual learning, and position description and employee handbook maintenance.
• Provides technical support within the field of human resource management for NWESD administrators and regional districts, which commonly consists of confidential and sensitive issues and/or situations.
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures for employee payroll and benefit processing, and human resource practices. Administers personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable legislative requirements. Recommends policy and procedure revisions to increase efficiency and comply with law.
• Determines the content of and may deliver new employee orientation for new staff.
• Recommends salary placement for new staff and annually reviews certificated instructional staff including the evaluation of transcripts and documented work experience for movement on the certificated salary schedule.
• Accurately prepares and submits various monthly, quarterly, and annual required federal and state reports including the S-275 personnel report, 941 Employer Quarterly Tax Returns, Employment Security Department, Labor and Industries, and year-end W-2 and Affordable Care Act 1095 Forms.
• Maintains complete and accurate records and reports of all pertinent payroll/benefit correspondence.
• Prepares personnel changes, election of certificated staff, payroll register reports, and other related memorandum for the Board of Directors.
• Attends departmental, regional, and statewide meetings and/or workshops to keep abreast of payroll and human resources issues.
• Responds to questions and surveys regarding payroll and related personnel issues. Provides payroll and human resources assistance to NWESD, school district, or staff members as needed.
• Assists in monitoring program needs and budget(s), and makes recommendations regarding budget updates and revisions.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of payroll and benefit administration.
• Knowledge of and experience with accounting, bookkeeping, and/or budget work.
• Ability to compose a variety of letters, memoranda, and reports for general or technical purposes; processes and signs routine and non-routine technical correspondence; creates and revises payroll forms as necessary.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and/or regulations governing public sector payroll processing, benefits administration, and human resources practices.
• General office management practices, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, proofreading, and punctuation skills as well as advanced math skills.
• Skill in effective leadership and decision-making techniques.
• Knowledge of or skill in learning new computer software applications and programs as they pertain to payroll and benefits, preferably Skyward, WESPaC, and OSPI applications, as well as the ability to manipulate the software to meet the needs of the NWESD.
• Knowledge of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), the School Employees Retirement System (SERS), and the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations and directives, and then communicate such to the appropriate individuals in an effective manner.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks using effective time management and organizational skills while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a complex, demanding, and critical position.
• Ability to supervise staff focusing on improvement of personal and professional skills.
• Ability to answer substantive questions relating to payroll, benefits, and personnel, and the ability to follow through in a timely manner with requests and/or problems that arise.
• Ability to continually keep abreast of changes in payroll, human resources, or benefit regulations that impact staff and/or position functions.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear and concise reports.
• Ability to interpret complex policies and procedures and communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, as necessary resolve conflict with co-workers, state agency staff, benefit administrators, OSPI, Board members, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee records.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, HR, Educational Administration, or related field required. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in payroll administration, human resources, and/or employee benefits administration is required, preferably in the educational environment. Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance required. Name/DOB background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Sitting for extended periods may be required.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.