Payroll Technician

As a Payroll Technician, you will work as part of a team to process bi-weekly payroll for over 950 employees, totaling approximately $90 million annually. In this role, you will enter exception and timesheet data into the payroll system; calculate, process, and reconcile payroll; and respond to employee inquiries. This position is eligible for overtime and includes additional pay for working on holidays.

This is a term-limited position with an end date of December 31, 2026.

• Enter payroll exception data into payroll systems.  Research and analyze discrepancies, make corrections, and document changes.  Review payroll and documentation for accuracy and completeness. Calculate payroll and reconcile to various reports.
• Follow records retention protocols.  Maintain archive of payroll records annually.
• Enter timekeeping data.  Validate timekeeping calculation results for accuracy and compliance with labor contracts, agency policy, and labor laws.
• Research and respond to payroll related inquiries from employees, supervisors, and outside organizations.  Serve as a resource for payroll issues.
• Monitor and reconcile payroll deduction reports, prepare for payments to third parties, and review general ledger balances.
• Analyze, reconcile, and process FMLA, PFML, STDi, LTD, Workers Compensation leave, supplemental pay and donated sick leave hours based on information provided by Benefits team and third-party organizations.  Create adjusting entries and documentation as needed. 
• Work with IT staff to troubleshoot system issues and test functional updates, upgrades, and fixes.
• 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 2-year technical certificate in accounting or a related field may substitute for 1.5 years of experience. A bachelor’s degree may substitute 3 years of experience.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends and holidays or an alternate work schedule as needed to meet strict payroll deadlines.

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 upholding Community Transit’s core values in support of the organization’s vision and mission.  Inspiring team commitment, pride, and trust while promoting cooperation and motivating members to achieve shared goals.  Demonstrating courtesy, sensitivity, and respect in all interactions.
• Experience using automated payroll systems.
• Advanced level proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Remaining focused on results, following up and completing tasks on time, and meeting 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 and Knowledge

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

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.

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 (152 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.