Payroll Specialist

Kitsap Public Health District • 98337-1866, WA

34d • Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the performance of technical payroll processing and recordkeeping tasks for the District. Under general supervision, the incumbent prepares, reconciles, and audits payroll in accordance with policies and legal guidelines, provides back-up for other accounting positions as necessary, and performs general accounting clerical tasks as assigned. This is a regular, permanent full-time position requiring 40 hours per week, with the occasional possibility of working a varied schedule that may include evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

• An Associates of Arts (AA) degree, including demonstrated coursework in college-level accounting or related field; and Three (3) years of experience in a fiscal office for a local government or municipality or five (5) years of experience in general accounting, bookkeeping, or related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and professional certification may be qualifying, provided the individual's background demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position.
• Knowledge of current payroll best practices.
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of standard double-entry bookkeeping.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, theories, concepts, and terms.
• Knowledge of standard fiscal office functions and modern office methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of correct English usage including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of communication business practices including electronic, telephone, or direct public contact.
• Knowledge of computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other applications related to the area of assignment.
• Ability to classify accounting transactions, maintain and reconcile accounts, close accounts, and prepare reports and statements.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of specialized procedures and subject matter encountered in specific assignments of the position.
• Ability to maintain responsibility for a variety of routine duties without regular direction.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks requiring a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to schedule workflow to meet regular deadlines.
• Ability to perform complex computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately.
• Ability to fulfill the commitment of the District to provide outstanding customer service.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment.
• Ability to take appropriate initiative.
• Ability to prioritize and plan own work activities with limited supervision.
• Ability to use work time and resources effectively.
• Ability to interpret, explain, evaluate, and recommend payroll policies and procedures.
• Ability to be attentive to detail, consistently follow written and oral instructions and guidelines, maintain accurate and complete records, make complex mathematical calculations, check data, and prepare and review material in reports and correspondence.
• Ability to proficiently and accurately operate office and other equipment standard to the area of assignment.
• Ability to utilize computers, related software, and automated equipment to produce worksheets and reports, typing with sufficient speed and accuracy to accomplish assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner.
• Ability to maintain emotional regulation during disagreements, seek clarity rather than defensiveness, and show measurable growth through consistent follow-through.
• Ability to demonstrate openness to feedback, curiosity about personal impact, and the ability to translate guidance into behavioral changes.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound independent judgment in decision making.
• Ability to coordinate, organize, and prioritize work; follow directions, instructions, and protocols in the course of duties assigned.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a collaborative team-oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date.

Nice To Haves

• Payroll accounting experience is preferred.
• A Washington State Certified Public Accountant license may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and inputs data into the payroll system based on personnel action forms and employee electronic timesheets for month-end payroll.
• Ensures adherence to federal, state, and local tax regulations and labor laws.
• Reviews employee electronic timecards for accuracy in accordance with the District’s employee manual and other policies related to time and pay.
• Follows up with employee and/or employee’s manager regarding any time and pay issues.
• Inputs gross wage and benefits data into payroll spreadsheets.
• Prepares payroll distribution reports and reconciles payroll and benefits.
• Addresses employee inquiries regarding pay, tax withholdings, and deductions.
• Responds to benefit provider requests and ensures accurate and timely reporting and payment.
• Maintains accurate and organized payroll records and files in compliance with applicable laws and District policy.
• Maintains confidentiality in communication and workspace.
• Prepares quarterly 941 and other tax reports.
• Generates, prints, and distributes W-2s to employees by established deadlines.
• Performs regular daily accounting duties; provides operational backup to accounting assistants to balance workloads and ensure continuous program coverage as needed.
• Supports team members in accomplishing program and District goals and objectives.
• Accurately completes and submits electronic timecards on a weekly basis.
• Maintains accurate and organized records, databases, systems, and files.
• Prioritizes and plans own work activities.
• Uses work time and resources effectively.
• Prepares a variety of letters, memos, forms, reports, and other documents; operates computers utilizing various software applications to produce materials with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Responds to public health emergencies as required by the District.
• Participates in quality improvement efforts.
• Serves as a resource person for staff in their area of expertise.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and embeds health equity into all aspects of assigned work and interactions.
• Works both independently and within a collaborative team-oriented environment; contributes openly, disagrees respectfully, understands the ideas of others, listens well, and works for consensus.
• Models an organizational culture rooted in respect, transparency, and collaboration, utilizing data-informed management to drive continuous improvement.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Participates in and contributes to staff meetings, ad hoc committees, special activities, and assignments.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefit plan which includes medical, dental, vision, and life coverages, including several voluntary plan selections through The Standard, MetLife, and Aflac.
• The District provides medical and dental coverage, contributing percentages of the average medical and dental insurance premium cost for full-time employees as follows: Employee @ 100%, Employee & Spouse @ 90%, Employee & Child(ren) @ 90%, and Full Family @ 85%.
• Generous paid time off
• Twelve paid holidays per year.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan managed by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.
• Three deferred compensation plans are also offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree