Payroll Technician

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 Technician assists the Payroll/Personnel Administrator in processing the monthly NWESD payroll, maintaining employee payroll files, mandatory and permissive benefits, federal and state reports on payroll data, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws related to payroll issues. This includes the interpretation and implementation of agency policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. The Payroll Technician may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Enters all new employee profile and payroll information into Qmlativ.
• Processes and updates employee payroll records which includes reviewing and processing payroll changes for staff; calculates pay rates; processes benefit enrollments and changes, time sheets, leave requests, overtime, garnishments, and miscellaneous deductions.
• Maintains the security and confidentiality of employee data.
• Reviews retirement benefits for new employees, responds to Department of Retirement Systems queries, and reconciles edit messages resulting from monthly transmittals.
• Assists in administering health and welfare benefits for all eligible employees through the State of Washington Health Care Authority (HCA). Helps employees navigate online enrollment system and provide education on available benefits.
• Reconciles monthly benefit plan billing; Attends training sessions offered through HCA or other benefit carriers and helps to disseminate relevant information to employees.
• Prepares and submits required reports to appropriate state agencies as assigned.
• Conducts research to obtain information for problem solving.
• Verifies employment of current and previous employees as requested.
• Assists in maintaining complete and accurate records and reports of pertinent payroll/benefit correspondence.
• Assists in preparing and distributes year-end W-2 forms.
• Creates spreadsheets for tracking, reconciling, and streamlining data.
• Attends departmental, regional, and statewide meetings and/or workshops to keep abreast of payroll and personnel-related issues.
• Distributes paychecks and mails or deposits related checks.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of common principles and practices of payroll and benefit administration.
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local laws and/or regulations governing payroll processing and benefits administration and state personnel laws regarding new hires.
• Knowledge of general office management practices, procedures and systems.
• Proper grammar, spelling, proofreading and punctuation skills as well as accounting math skills.
• Knowledge and skill in using effective decision-making techniques.
• Skill in using computer software applications and programs as they pertain to payroll and benefits, as well as the ability to manipulate the software to meet the needs of the NWESD.
• Knowledge of 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 to the appropriate individuals in an effective manner.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to answer complex questions relating to payroll and benefits, and the ability to follow through in a timely manner with requests and/or problems that arise.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and master new job responsibilities.
• Ability to keep abreast of changes in payroll regulations and relevant benefits that impact staff and the position functions.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, state agency staff, benefit administrators, board members, and the public.

Qualifications:

High school graduate or equivalent, and a combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While not required, payroll certification and experience in payroll processing is valued. WSP criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, occasional travel may be required for training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Sitting for extended periods of time 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.  Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

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.