Payroll Systems Manager

Internal • Bellingham, WA

1d

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

• Serves as the lead functional expert for payroll systems, complex payroll processing issues, and payroll tax compliance.
• Acts as a primary payroll processor.
• Supports the functional health of payroll-related systems through troubleshooting, testing, process improvement, compliance review, and issue resolution.
• Serves as a highly visible campus resource, providing consultation, outreach, education, and customer service to departments and employees on complex payroll matters.
• 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.
• Effectively operates in both unionized and non-unionized environments and translates technical payroll and system issues into clear, practical guidance for a wide range of campus partners.
• Identifies, implements, and communicates payroll-related changes resulting from collective bargaining agreements.
• Monitors payroll practices to support compliance with represented and non-represented employment requirements.

Benefits

• Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level