Payroll Manager

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

Job summary

University of Washington's Housing & Food Services is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations and ensure data integrity within financial systems. The role will drive accurate payroll processing for a large workforce, including student employees across departments.

You will serve as the Workday subject matter expert for HFS, collaborate with campus partners, and supervise payroll staff. Up to two days of remote work may be available, with a regular, full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience managing payroll in HRIS or equivalent.
• Effective administration of state and federal payroll laws.
• Administration of payroll for overtime eligible staff.
• Effective communication and problem solving with employees.
• Organizational planning and scheduling of work.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, including payroll administration, time and leave reconciliation, and compliance with federal, state, university, and collective bargaining requirements for a department of 500 professionals and 900 student employees.
• Develop and maintain audit schedules to ensure successful semi-monthly payroll processing and monthly leave accruals.
• Serve as the Workday SME for HFS and provide guidance on payroll, time tracking, and related processes.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll issues; collaborate with ISC and campus partners to upscale complex problems.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze reports, dashboards, and metrics to support payroll operations and improvements.
• 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.

Skills

Payroll management

Payroll compliance

Time & leave reconciliation

Data analysis

Communication

Organization & planning

Prioritization

Data visualization

Learning new tech

Workday

HRIS

Tools

Workday

HRIS

Job description

Job Description

Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Manager for Business and Finance Services to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Manage 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 upscale 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 to

Assistant 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.

• 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

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Other Compensation

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].

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.