Payroll Manager

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (2 days/week)

Job summary

University of Washington is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll operations within Housing & Food Services. The role ensures data integrity across Workday, time and leave reconciliation, and compliance with relevant laws for a large workforce.

The position reports to the Assistant Director for Accounting Operations and supports cross-team collaboration with UW Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and campus partners. A hybrid work model is available in Seattle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or closely related field.
• Four years of payroll or accounting experience.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll compliance.
• Ability to communicate and solve problems clearly for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for ~500 professionals and ~900 student employees.
• Develop and maintain audit schedules and monthly leave accruals.
• Serve as Workday subject matter expert for payroll, time tracking, and absences.
• Analyze reports and dashboards to improve processes and compliance.
• Supervise Payroll staff and foster professional development.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS

Payroll compliance

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or closely related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

## Payroll ManagerApply: Hybrid (telework 2 days or less per week): Seattle, WA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 16, 2026 (13 days left to apply): REQ-0000138261**Job Description**### **Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Manager for Business and Finance Services to join their team.**### ### About this OpportunityManage end-to-end payroll operations and the related business processes, ensuring payroll data integrity within the financial systems and the accuracy of resulting financial statements. ### Key Responsibilities Manage Payroll Operations 60%· Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, including payroll administration, time and leave reconciliation, and compliance with federal, state, university, and collective bargaining agreement requirements for a department of 500 professional and classified employees represented under SEIU, WFSE, and the UW Professional Staff Program, and 900 student employees.· Develop and maintain audit schedules and monitoring processes to ensure successful completion of semi-monthly payroll processing and monthly leave accruals.· Serve as the Workday subject matter expert for HFS and provide guidance on payroll, time tracking, absence management, and related business processes.· Research, analyze, and resolve payroll issues; collaborate with the ISC and campus partners to investigate and escalate complex problems when necessary.· Develop, maintain, and analyze reports, dashboards, and metrics to support payroll operations, compliance, and process improvements. Leadership and Collaboration 25%· Model behaviors that promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.· Serve as a member of the Business and Finance leadership team.· Build and maintain strong partnerships with HFS units, UW Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and other campus stakeholders.· Serve as the primary liaison between HFS and the ISC; identify trends, communicate recurring issues, and develop strategies to improve operations.· Collaborate with HFS Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, UW Payroll, and other campus partners to coordinate processes and resolve issues. Supervision 15%· Supervise and direct the work of Payroll staff to ensure quality, accuracy, and timely completion of work.· Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management to support employee success and development.· Promote cross-training, knowledge sharing, and professional development opportunities to strengthen team capability and continuity.· Plan, prioritize, and assign work to meet operational needs and competing priorities.· Foster an environment that encourages learning, accountability, and continuous improvement. ## Reports toAssistant Director for Accounting Operations### ### ### **Required Qualifications****To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below.****Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.**### ### **Minimum Qualifications****Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.** Bachelor’s degree in business administration or closely related field and four years of experience in a payroll or accounting environment that demonstrates:· Experience managing payroll using an HRIS or the equivalent.· Effective administration of state and federal laws related to payroll compliance.· Administration of payroll for overtime eligible and overtime exempt staff.· Effective communication and problem solving with employees.· Effective organization, planning and scheduling of work.· Successful prioritization of complex and often competing priorities.· Effective communication, adaptation, and visualization of data for a diverse audience.· Curiosity and eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.### ### Preferred Qualifications· Experience working with Workday or other comparable payroll systems.· Experience in payroll management or related fields at a public institution of higher education.· Successful completion of training and testing required to execute Workday security role within one month of hire.### ### Working Conditions* Up to 2 days of remote work is available.* Position may require work outside of regular Monday through Friday business hours to meet payroll deadlines and support critical business operations.### About the Team**\"Working together to enhance student life\"** is the Housing & Food Services mission statement. Housing & Food Services is a large and complex organization with a unified commitment to supporting student learning, growth, and success.**Compensation, Benefits and Position Details****Pay Range Minimum:**$92,196.00 annual**Pay Range Maximum:**$92,196.00 annual**Other Compensation:**-**Benefits:**For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/**Shift:**First Shift (United States of America)**Temporary or Regular?**This is a regular position**FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):**100.00%**Union/Bargaining Unit:**Not Applicable**About the UW**Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.**Our Commitment**The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] 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.