Payroll Program Operations Analyst

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

1d•$81,780 - $92,484

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 lead analyst and operational resource supports payroll overpayment management and related programs through analysis, consultation, recommendations, and program oversight. The role analyzes payroll data, reviews general ledger reconciliations, provides reporting metrics, and develops and maintains performance measures. It examines payroll trends and operational data, identifies risks and opportunities for process improvement, and provides data-driven recommendations to support management decisions, operational efficiency, and internal controls. The position leads functional and operational efforts among a team of specialists and coordinates work with HCM Operations, Benefits, and Payroll resources. It supports consistent application of payroll policies, resolution of complex payroll issues, and implementation of operational improvements, standardized processes, and program initiatives. The analyst applies payroll expertise—including knowledge of overpayment and retroactive pay calculations—and independent judgment to evaluate complex transactions, interpret policies and regulations, assess operational and financial impacts, and develop solutions that promote payroll accuracy, accountability, compliance, and effective program operations. The role is also a subject matter expert and consultative resource for management and stakeholders on complex payroll matters, policy interpretation, process improvements, and program decisions.

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.
Working knowledge of University of Washington payroll, HR, and financial policies and procedures.
At least one year of progressively responsible leadership or management experience, and demonstrated commitment to developing others as leaders.
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 a high degree of 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, 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 that support 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 provide 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.
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.