Lead Payroll Specialist

As a Lead Payroll Specialist, you will work as part of a team to process bi-weekly payroll for over 950 employees, totaling $90 million annually.  You will enter exception and timesheet data into the payroll system, calculate, process, and reconcile payroll, and answer employee questions.  You will schedule, assign, and prioritize the work of the payroll processing team, and provide feedback to the managers for annual performance reviews.   This position is eligible for overtime and receives extra pay for working on holidays. 

Responsible for day-to-day supervision of payroll and related systems and processes.  Troubleshoot common operational problems and recognize when to elevate issues to a higher management level.  Subject matter expert for payroll procedures.  Develop and adapt payroll procedures and documents to ensure payroll is processed consistently and accurately.  Maintain archive of payroll records.

Responsible for scheduling, assigning duties, prioritization, and daily activities of the payroll processing team.  Responsible for quick shift changes when shifts are not filled.  Provide feedback to Payroll management for performance reviews.

Enter daily payroll exception data into payroll systems.  Validate timekeeping calculation results for accuracy and for compliance with collective bargaining agreements, personnel policy, and labor laws.  Research discrepancies, make corrections, and document changes.  Review all documentation to be retained for completeness.  Export final payroll data to appropriate payroll systems and maintain a reconciliation of the payroll systems.  Enter data from timecards into payroll systems.  Review payroll for accuracy and completeness.  Calculate payroll and reconcile payroll to various reports.

Respond to payroll related inquiries from employees, management, and outside agencies.  Serve as a resource for payroll issues.

Coordinate with IT Staff to troubleshoot system problems and test functional updates, upgrades, and fixes.

Process after payroll payments to third parties for employee voluntary deductions and reconcile the related general ledger accounts.  Calculate and document short-term disability, industrial insurance, and donated sick leave supplements.  Validate Workers Compensation leave hours using authorization reports provided by Human Resources and third-party vendors.  Create adjusting entries as needed.  Respond to garnishment requests and set up deductions in payroll systems.  Process biweekly payments to garnishers and reconcile general ledger accounts.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience processing payroll and using payroll software systems.  An associate degree or a two-year technical certificate in accounting or a related field may substitute for 1.5 years of experience.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays or an alternate work schedule as needed to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Experience using automated payroll systems.

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

Knowledge Requirements

• General accounting and payroll processing.
• General knowledge of payroll related labor laws, such as FMLA and FLSA.

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.
• Advanced level proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Remain focused on results, follow up and complete tasks on time, and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities. Working effectively with employees and management at all levels of the organization.
• Effective written and oral communications that are timely, relevant, concise, and clearly outline necessary actions and deadlines.
• Proficient in typing and 10-key.
• Perform mathematical calculations with speed, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• Experience scheduling shifts.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, Trapeze, and UKG payroll systems.
• Experience producing payroll in the transit industry, government, public sector, or for a union represented workforce.
• CPP designation.

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  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 ten pounds occasionally.

Application & 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 Non-Exempt

• 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 nineteen (19) days of Paid Time Off (152 hours) in their first year and receive 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 Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position will 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.

Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.