Payroll Specialist

Washington County•Hillsboro, OR

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for reviewing, verifying, balancing, and processing payroll data for Washington County’s centralized payroll system. This role requires specialized payroll knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to complete complex payroll accounting tasks.

Requirements

Payroll processing systems and ERP platforms (such as Workday), including payroll controls and procedures
Federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and PERS processes
Governmental payroll practices, personnel policies, and union contract provisions
Financial recordkeeping principles and payroll related software tools
Accurately process and reconcile high volume, complex payroll data under strict deadlines
Research and analyze payroll issues, including deductions, garnishments, and regulatory impacts
Use payroll and financial systems to prepare reports, maintain records, and ensure compliance
Communicate clearly and effectively with employees, departments, and stakeholders
Learn and navigate payroll software and ERP systems quickly
Generate accurate payroll, tax, and yearend reports with minimal oversight
Work independently while collaborating effectively with various individuals and departments
Interpret and apply policies, regulations, and union contract provisions to payroll decisions
Possession of an Associate’s Degree in accounting, business, or related field AND two (2) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience related to maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records, OR Accounting Certificate (12 months) AND three (3) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience related to maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records; OR Five (5) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records.
Must pass a background check which includes evaluation of credit history.

Responsibilities

Process and maintain payroll data, including time entry, pay rates, leave, deductions, garnishments, and corrections
Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance by preparing reports, reconciling records, resolving discrepancies, and interpreting policies, regulations, and union contracts
Prepare and submit payroll taxes, assist with reconciling payroll accounts, including PERS reconciliations
Issue or reissue paychecks and direct deposits for regular processing, adjustments, and separations
Support and improve payroll systems by testing changes, recommending process enhancements, and assisting decentralized payroll users
Train new payroll users and participate in evaluating and updating payroll procedures