Senior Government Payroll & Benefits Lead

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insu

12 paid holidays

Paid vacation

State retirement programs

Job summary

The State of Washington seeks a Payroll Manager for the Office of Financial Management. This role oversees semi-monthly payroll, timekeeping, and benefits for OFM, the Governor’s Office, and the Office of Independent Investigations.

You will supervise the payroll officer and analysts, ensure compliance, and advise leadership on payroll-related actions. The successful candidate will manage complex payroll tax compliance across 12 states, maintain accurate records, and implement process

Qualifications

• Experience with payroll processing, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles (GAAP) related to payroll.
• Understanding of federal and state payroll laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience using payroll, HRMS, or financial management systems.
• Ability to analyze complex payroll data and regulations to inform decisions.
• Ability to communicate payroll information clearly to employees and leadership.
• Ability to develop and monitor internal controls for payroll processes.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversees semi-monthly payroll, leave, and benefit processing and supervises staff.
• Directs and reviews staff work to meet deadlines and ensure accuracy.
• Manages payroll systems, timekeeping, taxes, levies, and garnishments.
• Consults with employees on payroll, leave, and benefits and ensures compliance with tax laws.
• Leads payroll tax compliance across multiple states and ongoing regulatory changes.
• Reviews payroll actions in HRMS and PAY1 and documents processes.
• Administers benefit program accounting including PFML and Workers' Compensation payments.
• Partners with state agencies to resolve employee questions and ensure accurate payments.

Skills

Payroll principles

GAAP knowledge

Tax compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Payroll systems

Data analysis

Communication

Internal controls

Multitasking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or closely related field

Tools

HRMS

PAY1

Webi

AFRS

Washington Workforce Analytics (WWA)

Job description

The State of Washington seeks a Payroll Manager for the Office of Financial Management. This role oversees semi-monthly payroll, timekeeping, and benefits for OFM, the Governor’s Office, and the Office of Independent Investigations.

You will supervise the payroll officer and analysts, ensure compliance, and advise leadership on payroll-related actions. The successful candidate will manage complex payroll tax compliance across 12 states, maintain accurate records, and implement process