Payroll Analyst

Salary : $74,100.00 - $93,840.00 Annually

Location : 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way

Job Type : Regular Full-Time

Job Number : 2500354

Department : Finance

Opening Date : 02 / 04 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 11 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Basic Function

The Finance Department works in person, Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm. Remote work is generally limited to reasonable exceptions.

Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, perform complex, paraprofessional-level accounting and advanced clerical work related to the entire processing and responsibility of the payroll function. This includes computation of City payroll preparation, labor contract analysis, system analysis, report reconciliation and auditing to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all payroll-related transactions. Assist with processing business licenses, deposits, and backup to front counter, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable positions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform technical accounting duties accurately in order to compute and enter all aspects of payroll including, but not limited to, auditing timesheets and entry of employee maintenance, benefits, and deductions; computing payout figures, retroactive increases, adjustments, and garnishments; and processing payroll.

Review and audit information entered into the payroll system for accuracy and completeness to detect and prevent errors and to ensure City Policy, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Federal and State laws are followed.

Research, review, and compute all adjustments as needed including retroactive pay when Collective Bargaining Agreements settle; make recommendations to the Supervisor and provide an explanation of calculations to employees.

Reconcile and disburse checks / wires such as direct deposits, deferred compensation plans, Department of Retirement Systems, Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust, Social Security, deductions, benefits, garnishments, payroll taxes, W-2's, 1095, and all related payroll reports.

Sort and distribute employee payroll checks.

Prepare a variety of correspondence and documents for reporting requirements after each pay period is complete. Prepare and distribute reports for other departments and vendors.

Compile, reconcile, and forward required State and Federal reports quarterly and annually.

Create new benefits and deduction plans, hour types, garnishments, shifts, leave plans as needed.

Respond to numerous requests for payroll information; assist with audits; use computer programs to generate special reports on request.

Research and compile payroll and staffing information quickly upon request.

Compile financial data for the preparation of various journal entries.

Verify cash posting and account maintenance to daily audit reports.

Assist with Position Control maintenance; and compile information as necessary for budget purposes.

Prioritize job duties to meet federal and state reporting requirements and contractual obligations.

Maintain knowledge of laws and procedures governing public sector payroll and reporting requirements, accounting systems, BARS, and municipal budgeting procedures.

Maintain accurate payroll and accounting files and other records according to the state retention schedule.

Provide internal controls for Finance Department staff for electronic transactions; coordinate with financial institutions on incoming and outgoing electronic funds transactions.

Use computer word processing and complex spreadsheet applications and other office machinery such as 10-key machine, calculator, photocopier, and facsimile machine extensively in the performance of job duties.

Work courteously and effectively with City officials, employees, outside organizations and agencies, and the public.

Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information and confidential records.

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Perform special projects upon request.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience :

Any combination equivalent to : Associate's degree in accounting, or closely related field, AND four (4) years payroll experience involving the use of automated systems; OR any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions for the job. Operating a 10-key by touch is required. Municipal payroll experience preferred.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of :

• Methods, procedures and terminology related to payroll and other duties as assigned.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Payroll taxes.
• Operation of a computer terminal and data processing applications related to accounting and auditing functions.
• Basic research methods.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to :

Environmental Conditions / Physical Effort :

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, typically sitting at a desk for long periods of time. Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation. Some lifting of light objects (up to 25 lbs) may be required.

The City of Federal Way offers a complete benefits package to regular status full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Regular status part-time employees, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Please describe your prior career experience in Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Accounting systems and processes.

Please articulate your understanding of what it means to be a public servant, specific to working a City Finance Department.

Required Question

Salary : $74,100 - $93,840