HR Senior Payroll Analyst

Columbia Bank • Tacoma, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The HR Senior Payroll Analyst is an advanced individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for complex payroll operations, compliance and oversight. This role will lead complex payroll activities; influencing cross-functional processes and acts as an escalation point. Leads payroll validation, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness of payroll processing. Makes decisions on complex or high-risk payroll issues; escalates only when necessary. Leads reconciliation strategy and ensures audit-ready balances and controls. Serves as SME on payroll regulations, garnishments, and multi-state compliance. Leads resolution of escalated/high-risk issues; performs root cause analysis and prevention. Designs and interprets complex reporting; delivers insights to leadership and partners. Leads system enhancements, testing strategy, and payroll process optimization. Leads audit support and ensures strong internal controls and readiness. Influences decisions across HR, Finance, HRIS, and vendors. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required
• 5+ years Payroll experience including complex/multi-state payroll required
• Advanced expertise in payroll systems, operations, and regulatory environments
• Strong project leadership and change management capabilities
• Advanced analytical, reporting, and spreadsheet or data skills
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions across HR, Finance, and business partners
• Strong judgement, initiative, and ability to work independently on highly complex issues

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, human resources, or related field preferred
• Prior mentoring or informal leadership experience preferred
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead complex payroll activities
• Influence cross-functional processes
• Act as an escalation point
• Lead payroll validation, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness of payroll processing
• Make decisions on complex or high-risk payroll issues
• Lead reconciliation strategy and ensure audit-ready balances and controls
• Serve as SME on payroll regulations, garnishments, and multi-state compliance
• Lead resolution of escalated/high-risk issues; perform root cause analysis and prevention
• Design and interpret complex reporting; deliver insights to leadership and partners
• Lead system enhancements, testing strategy, and payroll process optimization
• Lead audit support and ensure strong internal controls and readiness
• Influence decisions across HR, Finance, HRIS, and vendors
• Demonstrate compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function
• Keep up to date on regulation changes
• Follow all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and complete all required annual or job-specific training
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable
• Coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert
• Actively learn, demonstrate, and foster the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words
• Take personal initiative and be a positive example for others to emulate
• Embrace our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Mental health resources
• Identity theft protection
• Legal support
• Auto and home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Access to an online discount marketplace
• Paid vacation
• Sick days
• Volunteer days
• Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED