Payroll Specialist

NEWESD 101; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

NEWESD 101 in Spokane, WA is hiring a Payroll Specialist to oversee and process all payroll functions for employees, ensuring timely, accurate payments and compliance with benefits and reporting requirements.

The role reports to the Director, Internal Business Services and will start October 1, 2026. You will manage payroll data, prepare reports, and work with Human Services to resolve inquiries and coordinate benefit administration.

Qualifications

• Payroll and benefits administration knowledge required.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and audit trails.
• Knowledge of federal, state payroll laws and regulations.
• Experience with Skyward payroll software preferred.
• Strong math, data analysis, and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process monthly payroll for all employees.
• Maintain employee payroll data, deductions, deposits, and benefits.
• Produce payroll tax and wage reports for federal and state compliance.
• Respond to payroll or benefits inquiries from staff.
• Assist with audits and reconcile enrollment and billing data.

Skills

Payroll procedures

Accounting procedures

Record keeping

Decision making

Grammar & proofreading

Database management

Education

Associate degree in accounting/finance or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Skyward software

Job description

The position of payroll specialist is done for the purpose of providing effective oversight and processing of all payroll functions to ensure the timely and accurate payment of all agency employees, including associated benefits, ensuring compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, and performing special payroll processing activities.

This position reports to the director, Internal Business Services.

Position will start October 1, 2026.

Functions:

• Manages and coordinates the preparation of monthly payroll for the purpose ensuring timely and accurate compensation of employees.
• Compiles and maintains employee information related to payroll (e.g. salary placement, benefit enrollment, payroll deductions, direct deposits, authorizations, leave time including PFML/FMLA, retirement data, employee withholdings, employment contracts, etc.) and monitors processes and documentation necessary for accurate payroll records and providing a current audit trail.
• Processes and prepares personnel assignments and budgetary data for the purpose of assisting with the agency budget and required state reporting.
• Ensures accurate payroll processing, appropriate allocation of funds, and compliance with established financial, legal, and administrative requirements.
• Processes a variety of fiscal information (e.g. payments, PFML/FMLA, retirement, benefit eligibility, court-ordered adjustments, job verifications, subpoena of payroll records, etc.) for the purpose of updating records and authorizing action in compliance with accounting requirements.
• Prepares a variety of external and internal reports and summaries related to payroll (e.g. quarterly and annual federal and state payroll tax and wage reports, W-2s, PFML information, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, conveying information, and complying with state and federal regulations.
• Researches and verifies discrepancies in payroll data (e.g. timesheets, leave time, unemployment eligibility, direct deposit requirements, salary schedule placement, benefit eligibility, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices and agency procedures.
• Reconciles enrollment forms and billing information to employee records (e.g. health insurance, retirement, PFML, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate payment information complying with requirements.
• Responds to inquiries regarding a variety of payroll and benefit related questions (e.g. leave status, benefit eligibility, employment verifications, garnishments, child support, etc.) for the purpose of assisting employees, other departments, and outside agencies in the provision of services.
• Develops and refines payroll processes, reporting procedures, and internal controls for the purpose of maintaining accurate records and complying with requirements and laws.
• Works closely with Human Services staff for the purpose of ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while administering payroll-related benefits and resolving payroll and compensation inquiries.
• Serves as a key resource for payroll processes, benefits coordination, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Assists external auditors by providing requested information (e.g. payroll procedures and records, contract requirements, etc.) for the purpose of providing necessary documentation for completing of agency audit.
• Attends a variety of meetings and trainings for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform the functions of the position.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position include:

• operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications,
• performing payroll and accounting procedures,
• preparing and maintaining accurate records,
• using effective decision-making techniques,
• using proper grammar, spelling, proofreading, and punctation, and
• creating and maintaining multiple databases and records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and ratios, read technical information, compose a variety of documents, facilitate group discussions, and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position includes:

• common principles and practices of payroll and benefit administration,
• automated payroll practices and procedures,
• general accounting procedures,
• federal, state, and local laws and/or regulations governing payroll processing and benefits administration,
• knowledge of the payroll process in P-12 education or the public sector is preferred, and
• knowledge of Skyward software is preferred.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and meetings, routinely gather, collate, and classify data, and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances, work with data utilizing defined and similar processes, and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and groups, work with data of varied types and purposes, and utilize specific, job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position include:

• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers and external partners,
• communicating with diverse groups in a positive, customer-focused manner,
• maintaining strict confidentiality,
• reading, interpreting, and applying rules, regulations, and directives, and communicating them to the appropriate audience in an effective manner,
• preparing accurate, clear, and concise reports,
• working independently utilizing effective time management and organization,
• setting priorities and meeting strict deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail,
• working with detailed information/data,
• answering complex questions related to payroll and benefits, and following through in a timely manner, and
• having regular and reliable attendance.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under limited supervision following standardized practices and methods, leading, guiding, and coordinating others, and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the agency’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the position's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the position requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing. This position is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience

Specific, job-related experience is required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate's degree or post-secondary education in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

NEWESD 101 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. NEWESD 101 complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the human services office. *ADA, Affiant – Michelle Powers, 509.789.3504* *504 Officer – Darren Nelson, 509.789.3539*