Payroll Manager

Nisqually Indian Tribe; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nisqually Indian Tribe seeks a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations, ensuring accurate, on-time payments in line with tribal, state, and federal requirements.

You will supervise payroll staff, validate calculations, and maintain secure payroll records while aligning with HR and Finance for integrated data and continuous process improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with ability to audit, reconcile, and forecast payroll data accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication across departments.
• Familiarity with payroll software and system maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily payroll operations and oversee staff workloads.
• Process semi-monthly payroll and related reports; ensure accuracy.
• Validate payroll information, including deductions and benefits.
• Oversee payroll software updates and system compliance.
• Review timesheets and payroll records for accuracy and privacy.
• Ensure compliance with wage garnishments, taxes, and reporting.
• Lead payroll staff and provide training and professional development.
• Prepare payroll-related financial reports and support audits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Time management

Communication skills

Payroll knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children

General Summary

The Payroll Manager for the Nisqually Tribe is responsible for overseeing the Tribe's payroll operations, ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with tribal, state, and federal regulations. This role supervises a team of payroll staff who handle wages, tax withholdings, benefit contributions, and other payroll-related functions. The Payroll Manager ensures payroll records are maintained with precision, reviews and verifies all calculations, addresses payroll discrepancies, and oversees the timely distribution of payroll through approved tribal payment methods. These functions are critical to organizational operations and require the highest level of security to protect sensitive employee and financial information. The Payroll Manager ensures compliance with legal, tax, and Tribal requirements, and works collaboratively with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to maintain integrated and accurate payroll data. This position also supports process improvements and provides guidance to payroll staff to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.

This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well-groomed appearance is expected at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Supervise and oversee the daily operations of the payroll staff, ensuring workloads are managed effectively.
• Process and review of semi-monthly payroll and related reports.
• Validate the accuracy of payroll information, including wage calculations, deductions, and benefits.
• Oversee maintenance and updates of payroll software to ensure system accuracy and compliance.
• Review, audit, analyze employee timesheets, payroll records, employee information and electronic time tracking records.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, including wage garnishments, deductions, and taxes.
• Ensure compliance with all state, local, federal, and Tribal laws regarding finances, payroll, taxes, and reporting.
• Maintain detailed payroll records for auditing, reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Oversee reconciliation of payroll processing and general ledger reporting.
• Review, develop, implement payroll processes and procedures for efficiency and accuracy and internal control.
• Serve as point of contact for payroll staff, Human Resources, and other departments regarding payroll matters.
• Troubleshoot, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies, disputes or other issues in a timely manner.
• Lead, motivate, train, and supervise payroll staff to support professional development and maintain high performance standards.
• Manages calendar and fiscal year-end payroll procedures, including issuance of W-2s, and other regulatory filings.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining payroll-related financial policies, internal controls, and operational procedures and serve as a resource to departments regarding payroll interpretation, system functionality, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Provide training, technical support, and consultation to Tribal employees on payroll processes, timekeeping, compliance requirements, and financial system functionality.
• Lead or participate in initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Monitor payroll metrics and key performance indicators to identify trends and implement improvements.
• Assist with the preparation of payroll budgets, forecasts, and reporting for Tribal leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll information and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including hands-on processing and payroll systems management.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience leading a payroll or finance team.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, local, and Tribal payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to audit, reconcile, and forecast payroll data accurately.
• Proficiency in payroll software and the ability to oversee system maintenance, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced excel functions.
• Ability to analyze data, reconcile payroll figures and forecast.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• High attention to detail, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Knowledge of Tribal reporting requirements, and experience working in a Tribal organization.

SUPERVISION

This position supervises.

COMPETENCIES

• Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of:
• Payroll administration, such as payroll processing cycles, wage calculations, deductions, garnishments, benefit contributions, and timekeeping systems.
• Federal, state, local and Tribal payroll laws and regulations, including IRS regulations, tax withholding rules, and tribal-specific requirements.
• Accounting principles as they relate to payroll, including general ledger reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit standards.
• Payroll technologies and software systems and understanding of system configurations, updates, troubleshooting, and reporting tools.
• Confidentiality and data privacy standards, including rules governing sensitive data and secure payroll record storage.
• Internal control practices for process improvement, compliance, risk mitigation, and accurate payroll operations.
• Ongoing professional payroll educational requirements and trainings, including staying current on changes in payroll laws, regulations, tax requirements, system standards, and industry best practices.
• Skill in:
• Processing semi-monthly payroll, validate accuracy, audit records, and correct discrepancies.
• Analyzing payroll data, identifying variances, resolving issues, and improving processes.
• Using payroll systems, timekeeping systems, spreadsheets, and financial reporting applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication for interacting with employees, HR, Finance and other Tribal employees.
• Managing competing deadlines, maintaining accurate records, and prioritizing tasks during peak cycles.
• Ability to:
• Lead, train, motivate, and evaluate payroll staff to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Address employee questions and payroll concerns promptly and professionally.
• Assess payroll workflows and implement enhancements to improve operational efficiency.
• Ability to ensure accuracy and compliance in payroll operations aligned with all legal and Tribal requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and always protect sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Work collaboratively across departments, partnering effectively with HR, Finance, and other teams to maintain integrated, accurate payroll data.
• Interpret and apply complex payroll regulations to ensure compliance with wage laws, tax requirements, and reporting mandates.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies by investigating issues and implementing timely solutions with minimal disruptions.
• Produce accurate financial and payroll reports to support audits, budget preparations, forecasting, and leadership reporting.
• Adapt effectively to new systems, policy changes, deadlines, workload fluctuations, and organizational priorities.
• Work occasional evenings/weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and customer-oriented work environment.
• Maintain integrity in payroll operations through transparent, accurate, and ethical practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

Salary: $82680.00 per year