Payroll Analyst - Payroll Department

Shoreline Community College•Shoreline College, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Department at Shoreline College is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to join our team. Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, the Payroll Analyst serves as the College's payroll subject matter expert, performing advanced payroll administration, compliance, reporting, and reconciliation functions to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. The position analyzes complex payroll transactions, maintains payroll system integrity, supports audits, administers payroll-related benefits and leave reporting, and provides technical guidance to employees and departments. The Payroll Analyst works collaboratively across the College to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and institutional policies while continuously improving payroll processes and internal controls.

Requirements

4 years of fiscal/payroll or related experience including 2 years as a Payroll Technician or equivalent
Completion of college-level education including accounting courses may be substituted for one year of experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the position successfully.
Microsoft Office (Excel – Intermediate/Advanced, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Word)
Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms
ctcLink/PeopleSoft or similar ERP systems
Payroll preparation, processing, and record-keeping
Tax withholding, voluntary deductions, and garnishments
Washington State payroll laws, retirement systems, and reporting requirements
Collective bargaining agreement interpretation and compensation administration
Applicable laws, regulations, labor codes, and institutional policies
Internal controls, audit standards, and risk-mitigation practices
Preparing, verifying, and maintaining automated and manual payroll records and reports
Identifying, investigating, and resolving payroll discrepancies
Monitoring, auditing, adjusting, and reconciling payroll data
Financial and statistical record-keeping and analysis
Sedentary, repetitive work in a standard open-office environment, using typical office equipment and participating in meetings both in person and virtually.
Duties require frequent wrist, hand, and finger motions, as well as close visual acuity for data review, computer use, and extensive reading.
The role requires effective communication in English, in person and through other appropriate methods.
When authorized, employees must provide their own workspace and internet access; the College supplies necessary technical equipment and support.
Employment is contingent upon available funding as determined by the College President.
NEOGOV online application
Cover letter describing relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics that align with the needs of the position
Current resume
Official transcript of highest related degree may be required upon hire
Proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Applicants considered for positions at the College may be required to submit to a background check as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or related professional certification.

Responsibilities

Process, audit, and reconcile bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls.
Review and validate payroll transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established deadlines.
Audit and process personnel, payroll, and time-reporting transactions, including: New hires, transfers, and separations, Position and compensation changes, Overtime and premium pay, Faculty contracts, stipends, and overloads, Retroactive salary adjustments, Leave cash-outs, Final pay calculations, Supplemental and special payments.
Process payroll deductions, garnishments, tax levies, benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and other required withholdings.
Ensure timely and accurate payment of employees and remittance of deductions to vendors, retirement systems, insurance providers, and government agencies.
Prepare, review, and submit required payroll tax, retirement, benefit, and regulatory reports.
Conduct year-end payroll reporting activities, including W-2 processing and related reconciliations.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and contractual changes and recommend operational adjustments.
Respond to inquiries from governmental agencies, auditors, retirement systems, and regulatory bodies.
Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts, labor distributions, benefit charges, tax liabilities, and retirement contributions.
Analyze payroll expenditures, transactions, and financial data to identify discrepancies, trends, and improvement opportunities.
Investigate and resolve payroll, accounting, retirement, and benefit reporting issues.
Prepare payroll accruals, journal entry support, and financial reports for month-end and year-end close.
Research and recommend corrective actions for payroll variances and system issues.
Review and validate leave balances and leave-related payroll transactions.
Ensure proper administration of vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, shared leave, and other leave programs.
Maintain and monitor payroll-related benefit and deduction codes as assigned.
Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, compensation policies, and payroll procedures.
Analyze contractual provisions affecting compensation, overtime, leave, and benefits.
Provide guidance to supervisors, managers, and employees on payroll-related contract and policy provisions.
Assist departments in resolving compensation and payroll concerns.
Maintain payroll records and ensure payroll system data integrity.
Assist with system testing, upgrades, patches, and new functionality.
Develop, document, and update payroll procedures, business processes, and operating guidelines.
Recommend and implement process improvements, automation, and enhanced internal controls.
Coordinate payroll activities with Human Resources, Finance, IT, and departmental users.
Support internal, external, state, and federal audits.
Prepare audit schedules, reports, documentation, and reconciliations.
Maintain effective payroll internal controls and ensure compliance with established procedures.
Identify risks and recommend improvements to strengthen payroll controls and compliance.
Serve as a technical resource for employees, supervisors, managers, and departments regarding payroll processes, policies, taxes, deductions, benefits, retirement reporting, and leave administration.
Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
Conduct payroll-related training and provide guidance to departmental personnel.
Participate in employee onboarding, orientations, workshops, and meetings.
Foster positive working relationships while serving a diverse workforce and campus community.
Performs other duties as assigned of a similar nature and level.