Payroll Specialist

Washougal School District; Washougal (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Washougal School District is seeking a Payroll Specialist to process payroll contracts, time sheets, and employee leave information, and to disseminate information about insurance benefits, retirement, pay, and leaves to staff.

The role supports monthly payroll and benefits administration, keeps meticulous records, and collaborates with Human Resources to ensure accurate compensation, while maintaining compliance with district policies and regulations.

Qualifications

• Proficient data entry and Excel usage required.
• Explain benefits, retirement options, and insurance to employees.
• Verify and process payroll contracts and time sheets accurately.
• Maintain records for audits and compliance with district policies.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll contracts and time sheets monthly.
• Disseminate information about benefits, retirement, and pay to employees.
• Assist HR in calculating and verifying payroll and contracts.
• Process leaves and adjust contracts as needed with payroll & HR coordination.
• Maintain payroll records and absence/leave reports.
• Monitor Absence Management system for time off and substitutes pay.
• Support building admins to ensure staff coverage during absences.
• Respond to inquiries regarding payroll and benefits from staff.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance with laws and district policies.
• Attend trainings to stay current on state/federal payroll regulations.

Skills

Data entry

Excel skills

Communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Attention to detail

Time management

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Flexibility

Math skills

Education

AA Degree and payroll experience

BA Degree or higher

Skyward or Qmlativ experience

Tools

Skyward or Qmlativ

Job description

WASHOUGAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 112-6

PAYROLL SPECIALIST
(Non-represented)

District Office (non-union)

8 hours per day (7:30 am – 4:30 pm)

5 days per week (M-F)

260 days per year

Rate of pay: $35.87 - $40.87

First review of applicants: 10/9/2026

Purpose Statement

The Washougal School District is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a highly qualified workforce that appreciates the diversity of our community and is committed to practices that are responsive to the needs of all students and families. The Washougal School District desires inclusive schools and classrooms that celebrate the diversity of our school and community. We welcome candidates representing the diversity of the world.

Job Summary

Responsible for processing payroll contracts, time sheets, and employee leave of absence information; disseminating information about insurance benefits, retirement, pay, paid leaves to employees; and assisting with administering all aspects of the monthly payroll and benefits.

Typical Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Assists Payroll in all aspects of reconciliation and preparation of monthly payroll processing.
• Provide accurate information to employees regarding mandatory benefits, voluntary benefits, insurance eligibility, premium rates, and Washington State Retirement Plan selections.
• Assists Human Resources in calculating and verifying accuracy of employee contracts for compensation and payroll processing.
• Process employee leaves, coordinating with Human Resources on the processing and adjusting of contracts and verification of paid and unpaid time off.
• Performs record keeping of timesheets, absence reports, leave reports and other related payroll records.
• Monitor and maintain current personnel information on the Absence Management system for the purpose of uploading time off and substitute pay into the payroll system.
• Provide assistance to building administrators as needed to insure staff coverage for absences and vacancies.
• Responds to written and verbal inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources (e.g., responding to surveys, benefit census reporting, insurance commission reporting, etc.) for the purpose of providing information.
• Maintain a system of internal controls and procedures for compliance with current rules, regulations, legislation, district policy and for the facilitation of federal/state audits.
• Keep current on state/federal laws and regulations by attending training seminars provided by professional organizations.
• Maintain consistent attendance, be available for overtime during peak payroll periods and conform to regular work hours.
• Prepares special projects as needed assigned by the Payroll Technician, HR Manager, HR Specialist, Executive Director of Business Service, and Superintendent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements; Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and to work independently, with minimal direction, to accomplish timely and accurate completion of all functions and tasks within the area of responsibility.
• Accurate and efficient data entry and excel skills.
• Skill and ability to communicate with all individuals in a professional and courteous manner both verbally and in writing; exercise discretion, maintain trust and confidentiality, and develop amenable relationships with staff and the general public to convey a positive image for the Payroll Department and the District.
• Knowledge and ability to perform basic math, including calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, percent, and/or ratios to perform various payroll data calculations.
• Ability to perform tasks well under pressure, maintain accuracy of information, and meet various payroll deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and research payroll information effectively, collate data, problem solve, identify issues, and develop and articulate solutions.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures required for processing payroll records.
• Knowledge and ability to successfully write routine documents using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to be flexible in meeting deadlines, flexibility to work additional hours that may include nights and/or weekends.
• Knowledge and successful experience entering data, developing formulas, and/or downloading information from another software program into Excel for the purpose of analyzing and checking employee pay information such as wages, hours, leave, benefits, employee position/type, etc.
• Knowledge of Washington State and Federal laws and regulations related to payroll and benefits; and the ability to correctly interpret and apply the laws to Washougal School District employees.
• Ability to successfully utilize and operate a variety of job-related equipment such as computer, telephone, fax, ten-key calculator, copier, shredder, microfiche reader, media equipment, etc.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• BA Degree or higher and two or more years’ experience in Payroll;
• Knowledge of and experience utilizing Skyward or Qmlativ payroll/personnel system.
• Knowledge of Washington laws affecting school district payroll, benefits and retirement practices.
• Experience with employee benefits and retirement administration in a public school or higher education system.
• Experience working with multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Required Education and Experience

AA Degree and experience with payroll/personnel systems.

Certificates & Licenses

Valid First Aid Card

Continuing Educ./Training

WASBO classes/workshops

Clearances

• WA State Misconduct Clearance
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

The Washougal School District is a Drug & Tobacco Free workplace.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Washougal School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. This holds true for all district employment and educational programs.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Compliance Officer: Brian Wilde [phone], 1201 39th St, Washougal 98671

ADA Compliance Officer: Jill Zahm [phone], 4855 Evergreen Way, Washougal 98671

and Section 504 Coordinator: Jill Zahm [phone], 4855 Evergreen Way, Washougal 98671

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX/ RCW 28A.640 & ADA compliance officer and Section 504 coordinator.

Posted 9/28/2026