Payroll Specialist II

Socket.dev; Ephrata (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant PUD is seeking a Payroll Specialist to maintain its biweekly payroll system, ensuring accurate calculations, deductions, and reporting. You will serve as the main employee contact for payroll questions and maintain compliant records across wage laws.

The role requires strong data entry, attention to detail, and the ability to work within a regulated environment, with hybrid options depending on assignment and site needs.

Qualifications

• AA/AS in Accounting, Finance, or Business Admin, or 1 year relevant experience.
• 3 years’ experience as Payroll Specialist or similar role.
• Experience with HRIS/UKG payroll systems.
• Public-sector or regulated environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process and validate payroll data including timesheet coding and hours worked.
• Review earnings, deductions, benefits, and payroll tax calculations for accuracy.
• Administer wage withholding orders and garnishments per law.
• Reconcile reports with account balances and postings.
• Maintain payroll documentation and controls for compliance and audits.
• Assist with quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting and filings.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data reconciliation

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

AA/AAS in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration, or 1 additional year of relevant experience

Tools

UKG HRIS

Job description

Closing Date to Apply: September 21st, 2026 @ 5 pm PST

Salary: $34.25 to $54.05 hourly

Midpoint: $44.15 hourly

Grant PUD posts the full hourly range for each position. The midpoint is provided as a reference point and is not a guaranteed starting pay. Starting pay is based on job-related factors such as qualifications, experience, skills, internal alignment, and organizational needs. Most new hires are typically placed between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Applicants meeting minimum qualifications may undergo further evaluation based on preferred qualifications and other job-related criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will be referred for further consideration.

Benefits: This link below will provide you with Grant PUD’s benefit that may be available if hired, different employee types are eligible for different benefits.

Grant PUD — Unified Insurance Program (uip-wa.org)

Grant County PUD will conduct a background check after a contingent offer of employment has been made, if selected for this position.

The District may use the applicant pool and results from this recruitment to fill additional vacancies in the same classification for up to six (6) months following the recruitment closing date, consistent with District policy and applicable law.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining the payroll accounting system to ensure accurate computation and processing the District’s biweekly payroll. This includes processing employee paychecks by collecting the timesheet information, validating data, computing wages and deductions and issuing employee statement of earnings and deductions. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate payroll documentation, compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour laws and performing account balance and payroll reconciliations. This position will serve as main point of contact for all employees regarding payroll and associated reporting.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Processes and validates payroll data, including timesheet coding, employee work hours, and pay-related transactions.
• Reviews payroll transactions to verify earnings, deductions, benefit withholdings, special pay provisions, and the accuracy of payroll tax rates and calculations.
• Administers wage withholding orders and garnishments in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Reconciles account transactional reports with account balances
• Documents approvals, validations and control amounts to ensure compliance with all policies, procedures, and resolutions; maintain processes, procedures and controls to ensure timely accurate employee payments and payroll reporting.
• Assists with processing and reporting quarterly and annual payroll taxes, including Employment Security, Labor and Industries, and state and federal income taxes.
• Reconciles payroll and benefit-related general ledger liability accounts, investigates variances, and resolves discrepancies to ensure accurate financial records.
• Serves as a resource for payroll related inquiries. Investigates and resolves any concerns or discrepancies.
• Creates, maintains, stores, secures, and retains employee payroll records per retention policy.
• Applies state, federal, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and other laws and agency policies that affect employee payroll and benefits.
• Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD/IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence. The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.
• Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures.
• In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
• Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to:
  • Following all safety policies and procedures.
  • Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions.
  • Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor.
  • Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.

Required Qualifications (Education and Experience, License, and/or Certification)

• Associate degree (AA/AAS) in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration, or 1 additional year of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Three (3) years’ experience as a Payroll Specialist or equivalent related experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Education and Experience, License, and/or Certification)

• Experience using HRIS, UKG or other similar payroll systems.
• Experience in a public-sector organization or similarly regulated environment.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong computer skills such as typing, system and software knowledge
• General knowledge of basic accounting principles and concepts, such as internal controls, account reconciliation and payroll liabilities
• Knowledge of wage withholding orders
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local employment laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate with employees regarding their issues and concerns
• Good customer service skills
• Being an effective team player
• Sound decision-making skills
• Ability to multitask in a stressful environment with specific deadlines
• Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment
• Confidentiality and respect for the privacy of employee records

Physical Requirements

• Position may be eligible for hybrid work arrangement: ☐Yes ☒No
• Majority of work is performed in a standard office setting.
  • Will perform work onsite at the locations of the assigned Business Units
• Typical shift of employees in this position: ☒8 hours ☐9 hours ☐10 hours ☐12 hours

*For a full list of requirements, the applicant/incumbent should refer to the Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE). The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.