Payroll Program Operations Analyst

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington seeks a Payroll Program Operations Analyst to join the Payroll team. You will lead analytical and operational efforts focused on payroll overpayments, with responsibilities spanning data analysis, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.

The role requires strong payroll knowledge, leadership experience, and a commitment to compliance and process improvement across UW systems and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of payroll, accounting, finance, or HR ops experience with knowledge of UW policies
• Experience analyzing payroll, financial, or operational data and developing reports and metrics
• Experience processing payroll and/or financial transactions with strong accuracy
• Knowledge of payroll operations, payroll accounting principles, and relevant regulations
• Experience developing, monitoring, and reporting performance metrics and identifying trends and risks
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and validation
• Experience extracting, analyzing, and interpreting large data sets using reports/tools
• Ability to document processes and operational requirements
• Ability to analyze complex issues and provide independent, data-driven recommendations
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders across multiple functions
• Strong written and verbal communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations for compliant operations
• Experience working with diverse teams and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability

Responsibilities

• Payroll Analysis & Reporting (30%)
• Customer Service (30%)
• Payroll Processing (25%)
• Payroll Leadership (15%)

Skills

Payroll analysis

Data analysis

Reporting & metrics

Excel proficiency

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication skills

Process improvement

Leadership/management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, HR, Public Admin, Business Admin or related field

Tools

Workday

UW system knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Program Operations Analyst **to join their Payroll team.**

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Payroll Operations, the Payroll Program Operations Analyst will provide analytical, operational, and programmatic support to a team dedicated to executing payroll processing/transactional functions with a focus on management of payroll overpayments. The position serves as a lead analyst and operational resource for payroll overpayment management and related payroll programs, providing analysis, consultation, recommendations, and program oversight that support operational effectiveness, compliance, and program outcomes.

More specific responsibilities will include analyzing payroll data, reviewing general ledger reconciliations, and providing reporting metrics. The Payroll Program Operations Analyst develops and maintains performance metrics, analyzes payroll trends and operational data, identifies risks and process improvement opportunities, and provides data-driven recommendations to support management decision-making and enhance operational efficiency and internal controls.

This position will lead functional and operations efforts among a team of specialists in the successful execution of payroll processes, coordinating with a combination of HCM Operations, Benefits, and Payroll resources within UW. This position also coordinates cross-functional efforts to ensure consistent application of payroll policies, effective resolution of complex payroll issues, and successful implementation of operational improvements, process standardization efforts, and program initiatives.

In order to be successful, the incumbent will need to exhibit a high level of payroll expertise and knowledge in areas of pay processing including overpayment and retroactive pay calculations, demonstrate a keen attention to detail while remaining aware of broader University objectives along with federal, state, and university policies, procedures and laws required to meet compliance. This role exercises independent judgment in evaluating complex payroll transactions, interpreting applicable regulations and policies, assessing operational and financial impacts, and developing solutions that support payroll accuracy, financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and efficient program operations. The position serves as a subject matter expert and consultative resource to management and stakeholders on complex payroll matters, policy interpretation, process improvements, and program-related decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Analysis & Reporting (30%)
• Customer Service (30%)
• Payroll Processing (25%)
• Payroll Leadership (15%)

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for thisopportunity,yourapplication mustdemonstratethat you meet both the minimum qualifications andadditionalqualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute forminimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license,certification, and/or registration

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years of experience working in payroll, accounting, finance, or HCM/HR operations, business operations, program administration, or operational analysis including working knowledge of University of Washington payroll, HR, and financial policies and procedures, to include one (1) year of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders. Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing payroll, financial, or operational data and developing reports, metrics, and recommendations to support business decisions and process improvements.
• Experience processing payroll and/or financial transactions with demonstrated accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills, and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of payroll operations, payroll accounting principles, reconciliation processes, and applicable federals, state, and organizational regulations.
• Demonstrated experience developing, monitoring, and reporting operational performance metrics and utilizing data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and data validation techniques, with strong data mining and problem-solving skills.
• Experience utilizing reporting, database, or analytical tools to extract, analyze, and interpret large volumes of data.
• Experience documenting business processes, workflows, procedures, and operational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, exercise independent judgment, and develop recommendations that support operational effectiveness and program outcomes.
• Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders across multiple functional areas.
• Extensive experience providing consultative customer service, resolving complex inquiries, and successfully managing competing priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical documentation skills, presentation skills, and the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and business requirements in support of compliant operations.
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams; collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

Desired:

• Working knowledge of data analysis, metrics, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of Workday and other University of Washington systems.
• Experience supporting system testing and/or data validation activities.

About the Team:

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:

• Financial Stewardship &Operations
• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
• Budget, Policy & Strategy
• University Business Services
• Real Estate
• Treasury

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$81,780.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$92,484.00 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 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/).

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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080).

There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits (https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/) that could be available to you as a UW employee.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.