Payroll Administrator

Employee in this position is responsible for compiling, processing and preparing the County Payroll in accordance with payroll standards including union contracts, statutory requirements and Resolutions of the Board.

• Responsible for compiling and processing the data used in the preparation of the county payroll in accordance with payroll standards, union contracts, statutory requirements and Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners.
• Responsible for preparing all aspects of the twice monthly County payroll and payment of taxes associated with payroll. Responsible for maintaining the payroll master file of salaries and premium pays, contributions and deductions.
• Responsible for monitoring six bargaining unit agreements and monitoring ten pay-grids for assurance of correct pay to employees.
• Responsible for maintaining policies and procedures to provide accurate and timely processing of payroll.
• Responsible for monitoring, reconciling and processing vouchers for approximately forty County Benefit Programs including taxes, retirement and deferred compensation and garnishments, and reconciling these to the general ledger.
• Responsible for liaison with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) to ensure employee and employer contributions are accurate and conform to regulations.
• Reviews employee master file, contributions, and deductions set up and transfers files to payroll for processing.
• Responsible for maintaining all employee leave accruals including annual leave, holidays, additional annual leave and sick leave, which must be tracked and files maintained in accordance with legal requirements, contracts and the Island County Policies and Personnel Manual.
• Responsible for preparing and filing all federal and state reports for payroll including associated retirement, taxes and insurance.
• Respond to public records requests in compliance with policies, procedures and applicable laws.
• Responsible for coordinating with all County departments regarding issues of resolving payroll questions and concerns. Provide assistance to management on matters relating to payroll and budgeting questions; provide data as required for union negotiations.
• Responsible for serving as payroll contact with outside auditors during annual state and other regulatory audits on matters pertaining to payroll; confer with department heads and Human Resources on confidential matters.
• Responsible for calculating and preparing retroactive contract adjustments, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) calculations, and wellness program changes per contracts and Board Resolutions.
• Responsible for training appropriate auditor's staff and staff in other departments in policies and procedures relating to payroll and vouchers including financial input and reports.
• Maintain and improve functional skills and remain current on statutory and other regulatory changes affecting payroll.
• Responsible for calculating and processing pay-outs of terminating employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels, both verbally and in writing, for the purpose of gathering and relating information.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and personnel data files. Know and comply with HIPPA Guidelines and requirements.
• Independent, self motivated; able to complete required tasks and meet deadlines while performing multiple tasks; work in office setting with constant interruptions.
• Be highly organized; perform duties with great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in federal and state payroll deductions. Familiar with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS), IC personnel manual, RCW's, Island County Code and union contracts.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques; deal with rapidly changing events; remain calm in stressful, sometimes hostile situations; relate to various personality types with courtesy and professionalism; remain civil with internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand/execute complex oral and written instructions; apply existing guidelines to widely varied situations.
• Ability to learn, understand and use complex payroll software accounting programs.
• Ability to use independent judgment in completing assignments required by the position.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and multi-tasking with a heavy workload to meet the demands of the department.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of accuracy, completeness and efficiency.

• Associates Degree or equivalent and five years related payroll experience, including payroll taxes, benefits, and union contracts.
• Working proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, accounting, and payroll software.
• Experience in payroll taxes, benefits and union contracts.