Payroll Systems Manager

Western Washington University•Bellingham, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Systems Manager serves as the lead functional expert for payroll systems, complex payroll processing issues, and payroll tax compliance. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Benefits and Payroll Operations, this position serves as a primary payroll processor and supports the functional health of payroll-related systems through troubleshooting, testing, process improvement, compliance review, and issue resolution. This position also serves as a highly visible campus resource, providing consultation, outreach, education, and customer service to departments and employees on complex payroll matters. The role works closely with other functional areas of Human Resources, including HRIS, Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, Compensation, and related operations, to support accurate and compliant payroll processes. The position must effectively operate in both unionized and non-unionized environments and translate technical payroll and system issues into clear, practical guidance for a wide range of campus partners. This position is responsible for identifying, implementing, and communicating payroll-related changes resulting from collective bargaining agreements and for monitoring payroll practices to support compliance with represented and non-represented employment requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Five years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, payroll systems, HRIS, accounting, finance systems, or related work
Experience working with payroll software, ERP systems, or integrated HR/payroll systems
Experience interpreting payroll tax requirements and resolving complex payroll issues
Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
Ability to collaborate across functions, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, public sector, or another complex payroll environment
Experience with Banner HR/Payroll or similar ERP/payroll systems
Experience with payroll tax reporting, deductions, year-end activity, and external reporting
Experience developing training materials, guidance documents, or process documentation

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead functional expert for payroll systems.
Manage complex payroll processing issues.
Ensure payroll tax compliance.
Act as a primary payroll processor.
Support the functional health of payroll-related systems through troubleshooting, testing, process improvement, compliance review, and issue resolution.
Serve as a campus resource, providing consultation, outreach, education, and customer service on complex payroll matters.
Collaborate with other functional areas of Human Resources (HRIS, Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, Compensation).
Operate effectively in both unionized and non-unionized environments.
Translate technical payroll and system issues into clear guidance.
Identify, implement, and communicate payroll-related changes resulting from collective bargaining agreements.
Monitor payroll practices to support compliance with employment requirements.