Payroll Specialist

Salem Health; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, on-time pay for our caregivers. You will own bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll runs, maintain timekeeping records, and support employees and leaders with pay-related questions.

In this role you'll partner with Human Resources and external consultants on system upgrades, develop standard work, and help streamline processes as we grow. Precision and teamwork are critical to keep payroll running smoothly.

Qualifications

• One year of recent payroll experience, within the last three years, processing a high volume of payroll records.
• One year of recent payroll garnishment experience, within the last three years.
• Intermediate knowledge of tax, garnishment, and wage and hour laws.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll using documented, standardized processes and checklists.
• Maintain the timekeeping system and records, including editor and approver assignments, updates, corrections, and adjustments.
• Train end users on timekeeping and advise employees and leaders on how pay policies apply to specific transactions.
• Compile and transmit validated payment information for payroll deductions such as state and federal tax withholding, benefit contributions, and garnishments.
• Build and run reports in response to internal requests, external requests, and audits.
• Respond promptly and accurately to payroll questions in person, by phone, and in writing, and explain how pay policies and practices apply.
• Partner with cross-functional team members and external consultants on software upgrades, new functionality, and problem resolution.
• Create and maintain written standard work for payroll workflows and look for ways to simplify the work and remove steps that don't add value.

Skills

Payroll processing

Timekeeping system

Employee/payroll questions

Reporting and audits

Education

CPP certification (preferred)

Tools

Payroll software

HRIS

Job description

Location: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Department:Human Resources

Position Type:Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt

Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, remote with one required onsite day per week

Your role with us

As a payroll specialist at Salem Health, you'll make sure the people who care for our community are paid accurately and on time. You'll own the work behind every bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll run, keep our timekeeping system current and correct, and serve as a go-to resource for employees and leaders with questions about their pay. This is precise, deadline-driven work with real visibility across the organization. You'll partner with teams inside and outside of Human Resources, and with external consultants, on system upgrades and new functionality, and you'll help build the documentation and process improvements that keep payroll running cleanly as we grow. If you like solving problems, working with accuracy, and knowing your work matters to thousands of people, you'll do well on this team.

What you'll do

• Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll using documented, standardized processes and checklists.
• Maintain the timekeeping system and records, including editor and approver assignments, updates, corrections, and adjustments.
• Train end users on timekeeping and advise employees and leaders on how pay policies apply to specific transactions.
• Compile and transmit validated payment information for payroll deductions such as state and federal tax withholding, benefit contributions, and garnishments.
• Build and run reports in response to internal requests, external requests, and audits.
• Respond promptly and accurately to payroll questions in person, by phone, and in writing, and explain how pay policies and practices apply.
• Partner with cross-functional team members and external consultants on software upgrades, new functionality, and problem resolution.
• Create and maintain written standard work for payroll workflows and look for ways to simplify the work and remove steps that don't add value.

Required qualifications

• One year of recent payroll experience, within the last three years, processing a high volume of payroll records with complex pay practices.
• One year of recent payroll garnishment experience, within the last three years.
• Intermediate knowledge of tax, garnishment, and wage and hour laws.

Additional information

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is preferred.
• Experience with payroll processing software and a human resources information system (HRIS)is preferred

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].