Payroll Manager

Clark College; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark College is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a 12‑month, full-time exempt role in the Business Services department. You will oversee payroll processing, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with multiple campus groups to implement policy changes.

The candidate will manage staff, prepare W‑2s, and handle withholdings while reporting to the Director of Business Services. Strong Excel and accounting knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional payroll or accounting experience, or four years of payroll/accounting experience.
• Experience with a complex automated financial management system.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook and Word.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise payroll staff, recruit, schedule, train, and evaluate performance.
• Oversee all payroll processing (twice monthly) and balance payrolls.
• Interface with IRS and other agencies and submit reporting.
• Coordinate payroll policies with Accounting, People and Culture, and SBCTC.
• Interpret regulations and update policies as needed.
• Prepare and ensure accuracy of W-2 information.
• Process garnishments and child support withholdings and IRS filings.
• Advise supervisors and employees on payroll guidelines and deductions.
• Maintain spreadsheets for annual contracted employees and attend college meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Associate degree (accounting).

Tools

Excel

Access

Outlook

Word

Job description

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Payroll Manager position in the Business Services department. This position supports the College's mission by overseeing all Payroll services to the college community, which includes planning, implementing, and evaluating compliance processes; overseeing and managing employee payroll and deductions; and ensuring all withholdings are remitted to the correct agency. Reporting to the Director of Business Services, this position oversees payroll transactions for the College.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise payroll staff by participating in the recruitment and selection process; assigning and scheduling work; providing training, guidance, and performance feedback; reviewing and acting on leave requests; conducting annual performance evaluations; and recommending corrective or disciplinary action
• Manage and oversee all payroll processing for the college, including verify accuracy of payrolls (two per month) and balance payrolls. Compute necessary adjustments, transfers, and hand-drawn payroll checks as needed. Interface with external agencies (IRS, L & I, DRS, etc.) as necessary and submit reporting.
• Coordinate payroll policies and procedures with the Accounting department, Office of People and Culture, Career Services, Office of Instruction, data processing, and State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
• Interpret and implement payroll regulations and coordinate with internal and external departments to make changes to policies and/or procedures when necessary.
• Investigate procedures and evaluate practices to improve services. Create new and revise existing procedures when payroll regulations change at the system, state and federal level.
• Train and coach staff when implementing new procedures and/or changes. Identify, provide, and encourage staff personal development training.
• Prepare and ensure accuracy of W-2 information.
• Process, answer and maintain Writs of Garnishment and Child Support withholdings
• Complete all portions of processing employee withholdings, along with remittance and IRS quarterly filings, both state and federal.
• Provide guidance and counseling to supervisors as well as employees related to payroll guidelines, time and labor compliance, and various withholding and deduction regulations
• Maintain and utilize spreadsheets to calculate annually contracted employees (i.e. administrators, exempt, and faculty).
• Attend college system commission meetings, offered in person and hybrid.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Common Duties Established by the College

• Serve as chair or member of designated College committees and teams.
• Provide leadership in accordance with the Mission and Vision established by the College.
• Ensure areas of responsibility operate effectively within the policies and procedures of the College and applicable governing agencies.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate employees in accordance with negotiated agreements, applicable state and federal laws, and College policies and procedures.
• Create a safe, bias-free working environment, which engenders respect for differences.
• Engage in and promote shared governance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Associate degree including 15 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting AND two (2) years of relevant professional experience ORfour (4) years of professional payroll or accounting experience.
• Experience with a complex, automated financial management system.
• Proficient using advanced functions in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook and Word.
• Knowledge of accounting theory and practice and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Excellent communication skills in interpersonal, written, and group settings.

POSITION COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to use time and resources to complete work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080. 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.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Clark College promotes work/life balance for employees.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

Salary Range:

$84,193-$97,487 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience).

Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., September 8, 2026.

REQUIRED ONLINE APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Clark College online application
• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

To contact Clark College Office of People and Culture, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact the Office of People and Culture at [phone] or by video phone at [phone].

SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, [phone] or [e-mail]. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work. Clark College does not currently sponsor H-1B visas.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES

Corrected or extended notices will be posted online.

Clark College’s Office of People and Culture supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

The Office of People and Culture aims to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people’s practices - from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being, and community partnerships.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and affirmative Action: Thao Schmidt, Interim Associate Vice President, 360-992-2628, [e-mail], 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Office of People and Culture

August 18, 2026

26-00068