Remote-Eligible Payroll Manager: Lead Payroll & Compliance

Washington State Department of Natural Resources; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll team within the Office of Finance, Budget, and Economics in Olympia, WA. This role ensures accurate, timely processing for thousands of employees and requires strong leadership of a six-person payroll team with clear expectations, training, and development.

The position emphasizes compliance with state and federal requirements, complex payroll transactions, and advising agency leadership on risks

Qualifications

• Eight+ years in payroll administration incl. cyclical processing of payroll & benefits.
• Two+ years of supervisory/leadership experience with performance development.
• Equivalent combo of education/training/experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead agency-wide payroll and benefits administration functions.
• Oversee payroll transactions, including processing periods, retirement activities, tax payments, and overpayments recovery.
• Advise Finance Manager, CFO and agency leadership on risks and actions.

Skills

Advanced spreadsheets

Pivot tables

Data analysis tools

Toolbars & macros

Collaborative environment

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting/finance

WA State government payroll experience (2+ yrs)

Tools

Excel

Data analysis software

Job description

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll team within the Office of Finance, Budget, and Economics in Olympia, WA. This role ensures accurate, timely processing for thousands of employees and requires strong leadership of a six-person payroll team with clear expectations, training, and development.

The position emphasizes compliance with state and federal requirements, complex payroll transactions, and advising agency leadership on risks