Payroll, Benefits and Multi-State Tax Accountant (Fiscal Analyst 2)

Position Summary

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

The Payroll, Benefits and Multi-State Tax Accountant (Fiscal Analyst 2) plays a key role within our Payroll team, working under the general direction of the Accounting and Payroll Supervisor and alongside other Accounting and Human Resources professionals. This position is responsible for managing and coordinating tax and payroll benefits for remote employees working out of state, administering the absence module within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (ctcLink/PeopleSoft), and reconciling employee benefits accounts.

In addition, the Payroll, Benefits and Multi-State Tax Accountant (Fiscal Analyst 2) responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interpreting and applying various regulations and procedures related to tax and payroll, ensuring procedural compliance, and maintaining accuracy and timeliness in all tasks. This position will analyze and interpret fiscal data to identify trends and draw conclusions, providing clear explanations of results, and take appropriate actions based on the analysis, with particular focus on out-of-state tax implications.

The Payroll, Benefits and Multi-State Tax Accountant (Fiscal Analyst 2) is also committed to delivering exceptional customer service, assisting internal and external customers in person, by phone, and via email. This role is integral to advancing Pierce College’s mission of equity and inclusion, supporting access and success for our diverse community of learners. The position requires regular and consistent attendance and may be eligible for 2 -3 days of remote work once established in the position.

About the District

Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023.

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College at Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.

Essential Functions

• Actively advance Pierce College's goals for equity and inclusion to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners.

Duties that apply to all areas of focus:

• Conducts accurate and timely payroll-related operations consistent with state and federal regulations and Pierce College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Compiles and computes data from a variety of source documents; inputs data into the Enterprise Resource Planning system (ctcLink/PeopleSoft), and performs routine audits to ensure accuracy.
• Fosters, promotes, and maintains healthy relationships with Payroll stakeholders in order to enhance the Payroll experience for customers and garner timely cooperation to meet and respond to customer needs.
• Works cooperatively with other departments to resolve payroll-related problems.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, managers, faculty, and members of the public; assesses customer needs, identifies and evaluates options, and recommends courses of action.
• Maintains physical and electronic records in accordance with state regulations and college policies and procedures.

Out of State Employee Taxes and Benefits:

• Contacts relevant agencies in the home states of remote employees to establish accounts for income tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation as required by law.
• Works with Pierce College Human Resources and Payroll to ensure payroll records for remote employees are correctly set up in the ERP (ctcLink/PeopleSoft).
• Verifies quarterly tax payments to other states are accurate; works with the Accounting and Payroll Manager to facilitate vendor payments.
• Assists in the revision or creation of new policies and procedures as payroll regulations change at the system, state, and federal level.

Benefits Billing Reconciliation:

• Works with the Human Resource Consultant – Benefits to ensure benefit accounts in the Pierce College general ledger are reconciled to Washington State systems.
• Works with the Accounting and Payroll Manager to reconcile all benefits liabilities in the general ledger.
• Troubleshoots any benefits vendor payment issues.
• Creates and distributes state-required benefits reports after each payroll.

ctcLink Absence Administration:

• During payroll processing (twice per month), contacts employees with leave shortages and assists them in correcting their timesheets if needed.
• Once per month, checks all employee leave entitlements and works with Human Resources to correct any errors.
• Works with Payroll on manual leave adjustments as needed.
• Monitors and tracks employee leave balances to ensure compliance with policies.
• Communicates with employees on leave policies to clarify any questions regarding eligibility or processes in coordination with the Senior Human Resources Consultant – Leave and Accommodation.

Support Services:

• Participates with and serves as backup for other Finance Department activities, including but not limited to mailing of Refunds, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Financial Aid checks.
• Assists in preparation of records, annually, for archival.
• Completes special projects as assigned by the Fiscal Analyst 5 (Accounting & Payroll Manager), Budget Analyst 4, Director of Fiscal Services, or Vice President for Fiscal Services.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Application Process

To be considered for this position, applicants must

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.(Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework.
  • Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
  • Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)

• How does this position impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Please Note:

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, over-time eligible position with Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. This position is permanent after serving a minimum six-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses and/or sites may occur. Work hours are typically between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position requires regular and consistent attendance and may be eligible for occasional telework once the incumbent is established in the position.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range of this position is $4,194.00-$4,987.00 a month (dependent upon qualifications), with annual periodic increments up to $5,117.00 per month. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions. This position operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Davi Kallman- ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 912-3715

Deena Forsythe - Interim Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229