Payroll Program Operations Analyst

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) is hiring a Payroll Program Operations Analyst to provide analytical, operational, and programmatic support to its Payroll team, with a focus on managing payroll overpayments. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Payroll Operations, this role serves as a lead analyst, operational resource, subject matter expert, and consultative resource to management and stakeholders on complex payroll matters, policy interpretation, process improvements, and program decisions. The analyst analyzes payroll data, reviews general ledger reconciliations, develops and maintains performance metrics, reports on operational trends, identifies risks and improvement opportunities, and provides data-driven recommendations. The role leads functional and operational efforts among a team of specialists and coordinates with HCM Operations, Benefits, and Payroll resources across the University of Washington. It also supports consistent application of payroll policies, resolution of complex issues, process standardization, operational improvements, and program initiatives. The position requires substantial payroll expertise, including overpayment and retroactive pay calculations, attention to detail, and awareness of University objectives and applicable federal, state, and university requirements. It exercises independent judgment to evaluate complex payroll transactions, interpret regulations and policies, assess operational and financial impacts, and develop solutions supporting payroll accuracy, financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and efficient program operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, and four years of experience in payroll, accounting, finance, HCM/HR operations, business operations, program administration, or operational analysis; equivalent education and experience may substitute for the degree.
One year of progressively responsible leadership or management experience and demonstrated commitment to developing others as leaders.
Working knowledge of University of Washington payroll, HR, and financial policies and procedures.
Experience analyzing payroll, financial, or operational data and developing reports, metrics, and recommendations to support business decisions and process improvements.
Experience processing payroll and/or financial transactions, with accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills, and accuracy and attention to detail.
Working knowledge of payroll operations, payroll accounting principles, reconciliation processes, and applicable federal, state, and organizational regulations.
Experience developing, monitoring, and reporting operational performance metrics and using data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and data validation techniques, along with strong data-mining and problem-solving skills.
Experience using reporting, database, or analytical tools to extract, analyze, and interpret large volumes of data.
Experience documenting business processes, workflows, procedures, and operational requirements.
Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise independent judgment, and develop recommendations supporting operational effectiveness and program outcomes.
Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders across multiple functional areas.
Extensive experience providing consultative customer service, resolving complex inquiries, and managing competing priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication, technical documentation, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and business requirements in support of compliant operations.
Experience working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams; a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style; and ability to foster excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of data analysis, metrics, and reporting.
Working knowledge of Workday and other University of Washington systems.
Experience supporting system testing and/or data validation activities.

Responsibilities

Analyze payroll data, review general ledger reconciliations, and provide reporting metrics.
Develop and maintain performance metrics; analyze payroll trends and operational data; identify risks and process-improvement opportunities; and make data-driven recommendations.
Lead functional and operational efforts among a team of specialists in executing payroll processes.
Coordinate with HCM Operations, Benefits, and Payroll resources across the University of Washington.
Coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure consistent application of payroll policies and effective resolution of complex payroll issues.
Support operational improvements, process standardization efforts, and program initiatives.
Evaluate complex payroll transactions, interpret applicable regulations and policies, assess operational and financial impacts, and develop solutions.
Serve as a subject matter expert and consultative resource to management and stakeholders on complex payroll matters, policy interpretation, process improvements, and program-related decisions.
Provide payroll analysis and reporting, customer service, payroll processing, and payroll leadership.