Fiscal Analyst 3 - Payroll

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Fiscal Analyst 3 to join the Accounting and Financial Services Division and support payroll operations across the agency. As a member of the Systems, Data & Regional Support Services (SDRSS) team, you will serve as a subject matter expert for payroll leave accruals, audits, corrections, and labor reporting while helping ensure payroll processes remain accurate, compliant, and responsive to employee and agency needs. You will play a key role in supporting payroll operations statewide by training and mentoring payroll contacts, researching and resolving complex payroll issues, and analyzing payroll and labor data across multiple systems. This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission by helping ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with state regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and financial reporting requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys problem-solving, customer support, systems analysis, and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Payroll Analysis and Troubleshooting: Ability to analyze payroll and labor reports, identify discrepancies, and independently resolve issues across multiple systems.
Financial and Payroll Compliance: Knowledge of payroll accounting practices and ability to review fiscal and payroll data in compliance with GAAP, state regulations, and agency policies.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Ability to coordinate across payroll, HR, and finance functions to ensure accurate data and consistent application of policies and procedures.
Research and Policy Interpretation: Ability to research and apply state laws, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and procedures related to payroll and leave administration.
Customer Service and Communication: Ability to provide responsive customer service and communicate effectively with employees, payroll contacts, and internal stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
Organization and Prioritization: Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Systems and Technical Skills: Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Word and ability to reconcile information across reports and electronic systems.
Collaboration and Inclusion: Experience contributing to a respectful and inclusive work environment that values equal opportunity and diverse perspectives.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Public Sector Payroll Experience: Experience working in a state agency or similar public-sector environment with centralized payroll systems.
Payroll Laws and Regulations Knowledge: Knowledge of RCWs, WACs, and payroll-related policies and procedures.
Advanced Systems Skills: Skilled in advanced Microsoft Excel functions and payroll-related systems such as HRMS, DOTtime, TRAINS, or labor reporting systems.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Knowledge: Experience interpreting collective bargaining agreements and providing guidance to others regarding payroll or leave practices.
Payroll Systems Administration: Experience updating payroll data within automated payroll systems and navigating mainframe or enterprise systems.
Problem-Solving and Guidance: Experience researching payroll issues, identifying solutions, and providing technical guidance or support to others.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior resource for payroll staff, regional contacts, and timekeepers regarding leave accruals, payroll processing, and payroll-related questions.
Lead, train, and mentor Payroll Systems, Data & Regional Support Services staff and provide guidance on payroll processes and procedures.
Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies, leave errors, and payroll report exceptions using HRMS, TRAINS, labor systems, and related tools.
Respond to payroll inquiries and requests from employees and regional payroll contacts while ensuring timely and accurate customer service.
Review payroll cutoff reports, analyze errors, and process payroll adjustments and corrections as needed.
Assist with payroll reporting, audits, public disclosure requests, and special payroll-related projects.
Provide guidance and interpretation related to collective bargaining agreements, payroll policies, and leave practices.
Support DOTtime payroll administration activities, including labor distribution table maintenance, payroll processing jobs, and emergent delegations.
Assist with payroll processing coverage and provide backup support for the Payroll Assistant Manager during absences.