Payroll Manager

A managerial level position responsible for management, guidance, and oversight of the agency’s $85 - $90 million gross annual payroll and approximately 900+ employees. Management and oversight of all aspects of compliance with applicable personnel policies, labor contracts and state and federal regulations.  Establish payroll procedures, lead improvement projects, and determine appropriate actions for situations not addressed by law, policy, or procedure. This position supervises 8 full time employees.  

• Management and oversight of all aspects of agency’s bi-weekly processing of a $85 - $90 million gross annual payroll for approximately 900+ employees.  Takes proactive corrective action as needed to maintain final confirmation of entire payroll that it is accurate, complete and in compliance with company policy, labor contracts, and state & federal regulations.  Researches, analyzes, and interprets calculation of payroll, reconcile to various validation reports, and creates additional cross-reference reports when necessary. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of agency’s payroll, including existing, and future processes. 
• Research, analyze, and interprets the payroll impact of labor agreements and pay and benefit programs.  Collaborate with managers and other staff to interpret and act on this information.  Research and respond to payroll related inquiries from, management and outside agencies.  Serve as the agency subject matter expert regarding payroll.
• Supervises Payroll staff, setting goals and objectives. Assigns tasks and projects, monitors work product. Assists staff in setting priorities and time management, hires, trains and coaches, evaluates, and disciplines staff as needed.
• Manages the integrity of all communications and reporting to and from these agencies:  complex State and Federal reporting requirements, such as Washington State Dept. of Retirement Systems, Dept. of Labor and Industries, Employment Security Department, and the Internal Revenue Service (941 and W-2s).  Develop process changes as needed to remain in compliance with changing regulations.
• Leverages the use of HRIS systems technology through Payroll Analyst to achieve maximum benefit from the systems for the agency. Integrates systems technology into all aspects of the Payroll and Finance Divisions with technical support from the HRIS functional analyst and the Information Technology Department. Ensures the integrity of systems and manages related projects.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations
• Participates in the preparation of financial, payroll and benefits portion with external auditors for the annual audit, as payroll & benefits costs account for over 60% of the operating budget.  Participates in the preparation of financial, payroll, and benefits notes for reporting the OPEB and for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four or more years of processing payroll and payroll tax preparation for companies with over 750 employees using an in-house automated payroll system. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a business-related field may account for three years of experience. A master’s degree in accounting or business-related field may account for four years of experience. A CPA or CPP will account for three years of experience.
• Two years of supervisory experience, with the ability to manage several projects and delegate responsibilities.
• Two years of experience identifying and implementing process improvements in the areas of payroll or accounting.
• Ability to work extended hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays as required to meet strict payroll deadlines.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Solid understanding of payroll fundamentals, including processing cycles, tax withholdings and employment laws. 
• General knowledge of accounting and internal control principles and practices.
• State and Federal payroll tax reporting requirements.
• Understanding of applying labor contract and personnel policy language.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust. Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Written and oral communication.
• Accurate preparation of complex regulatory reports such as the IRS quarterly 941 reports, quarterly payroll tax filings and completing the annual W-2 reporting.
• Meeting strict work deadlines.
• Employee supervision, particularly in fostering teamwork, coaching, and motivation.
• Problem solving and making recommendations regarding payroll issues.
• Communications, customer service and defusing emotionally charged situations.
• Identifying and solving problems and recommending creative solutions.
• Working effectively as part of a team.
• Working with automated payroll systems (PeopleSoft preferred) at an advanced level.
• Microsoft Excel at a highly proficient level.
• Identifying areas of improvement, conceptualizing improvement processes, and implementing improvements while remaining compliant with company policy, labor contracts, internal controls and state and federal guidelines.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• CPA or CPP.
• Five years of experience in governmental accounting.
• Five years of experience using PeopleSoft HCM system.
• Five years of experience with a union payroll.
• Transportation payroll or accounting experience

Other

• If offered the position, candidate may be subject to a credit check in addition to a criminal background check.

Working Conditions

• 100% of your work will be performed in an office environment and requires you to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments. You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally.  This position must be able to work extra hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays to meet strict payroll deadlines, and may be asked to attend training locally and within the United States.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.