Citywide Payroll Operations Manager

City of Seattle • Seattle, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of City Finance (OCF) is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. In partnership with the City's Budget Office, OCF oversees the City's financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities and supports the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council by providing financial information and expertise. The Office of City Finance champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the Race and Social Justice - RSJ, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens. We are seeking a dynamic Citywide Payroll Operations Manager to lead payroll processing for all City employees. This role requires a skilled payroll professional with strong communication abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Manager will direct end-to-end payroll operations, collaborate with more than 40 departments, and ensure high-quality service that meets all regulatory and policy requirements. The Citywide Payroll Operations Manager should excel at leading teams, optimizing workflows, and enhancing HRIS and Workday/PeopleSoft systems. This leader will guide payroll technicians, strengthen cross-department partnerships, and drive efficient, accurate payroll operations. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, proven supervisory experience, and a dedication to operational excellence and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• 5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience.
• 3 years of management or supervisory experience with proven team leadership.
• Knowledge of payroll, labor distribution, accounting principles, IRS tax table, and other federal withholding regulations is required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Access; ability to analyze, interpret, and present payroll data with clarity.
• At least 2-3 year of experience working in PeopleSoft, Workday, or comparable payroll/HRIS systems.
• Robust knowledge of payroll processing, fund accounting, general ledger operations, benefits administration, and pension plan requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading system, software, or application implementations, especially within HRIS or Workday environments.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a focus on accountability, coaching, and building high performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong business relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Drive timely and accurate payroll delivery by proactively maintaining and updating the payroll system, ensuring departments quickly correct payroll errors, and authorizing manual check requests in compliance with established controls.
• Create, refine, and enforce payroll procedures aligned with City personnel policies and strictly adhering to Federal and State regulations, while reviewing and approving GL entries, journal entries, and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and strong internal controls.
• Support year-end processes by reviewing Wage & Tax Registers, validating W-2 and 1099-R accuracy, helping manage citywide year-end tasks, and responding promptly and effectively to tax agency inquiries.
• Lead or contribute to special projects, internal and external audits, and bargaining unit–related processes as part of maintaining high-quality payroll operations and compliance.
• Supervise, lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll staff to deliver high quality, customer focused service.
• Serve as the primary liaison between City Payroll Services, 40+ departments, and key operational units, actively strengthening cross department communication and issue resolution.
• Provide clear guidance, expert support, and responsive customer service to Citywide payroll staff.
• Serve as back-up to other Payroll staff as needed and partner with the Citywide Payroll leadership on strategic initiatives and other assigned responsibilities.
• Collaborate closely with HRIS developers and the City’s third-party payroll provider to lead system testing, script development, and reporting enhancements leveraging Workday or similar system experience.
• Lead or contribute to special projects, internal and external audits, and bargaining unit related processes.

Benefits

• vacation
• holiday
• sick leave
• medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager