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:

• Processes and updates employee computer payroll records which includes reviewing and processing payroll notification forms for classified, certificated, substitute, and temporary staff; calculates pay rates, processes enrollment changes, verifies benefit data, time sheets, and leave requests; computes salary adjustments, leave without pay, overtime, employee garnishments and miscellaneous deductions as requested by the Payroll/Personnel Administrator. Maintains the security and confidentiality of employee data per established guidelines.
• Prepares packets for payroll orientation to new employees, including review of retirement benefits, FICA exemptions, worker’s compensation information, right-to-privacy, driving abstracts, and Section 125 flexible benefit plan.
• Assists in administering health and welfare benefits for all eligible employees through the State of Washington Health Care Authority (HCA). Performs online updates for the HCA including additions and deletions of employees and/or dependents; reconciles the monthly HCA billing; distributes COBRA information to new, terminating and retiring employees; assists in administers the life and LTD insurance programs as well.  Attends training sessions offered through HCA or other benefit carriers and disseminates relevant information to employees.
• Assists in preparing the annual S-275 personnel report, as directed by the Payroll/Personnel Administrator.
• Prepares and submits bi-monthly new-hire report to DSHS.
• Assists in responding to questions and surveys regarding payroll and related personnel issues. Researches information if not readily available.  Verifies employment of current and previous employees as requested.
• Processes and signs routine and non-routine technical correspondence; revises payroll forms as requested.
• Assists in maintaining complete and accurate records and reports of all pertinent payroll/benefit correspondence.
• Assists in preparing and distributes year-end W-2 forms for approximately 375 employees.
• Creates spreadsheets for tracking, reconciling, and streamlining data.
• Assists in preparing salary and benefit documents to assist the Internal Accountant with budgeting and year-end accruals.
• 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.
• 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:

• The principles and practices of payroll and benefit administration.
• Federal, state and local laws and/or regulations governing payroll processing and benefits administration and state personnel laws regarding new hires.
• General office management practices, procedures and systems.
• Proper grammar, spelling, proofreading and punctuation skills as well as advanced math skill required.
• Effective decision-making techniques.
• 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.
• The School Employees Retirement System (SERS), the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations and directives, and then communicate such to the appropriate individuals in an effective manner.
• Work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Answer substantive questions relating to payroll and benefits, and the ability to follow through in a timely manner with requests and/or problems that arise.
• Handle several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a complex, demanding, and critical position.
• Learn and master new job responsibilities.
• Continually keep abreast of changes in payroll regulations and relevant benefits that impact staff and the position functions.
• Prepare accurate, clear and concise reports.
• Work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate and interpret complex policies and procedures effectively in both oral and written format.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, state agency staff, benefit administrators, OSPI, board members, and the public.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee records.

Qualifications:

High school graduate or equivalent, an AA Degree in Accounting or related field, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing and employee benefits administration, preferably in the educational environment.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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 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.