Senior Payroll Manager — Tribal Compliance & Finance

Nisqually Indian Tribe; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nisqually Indian Tribe seeks a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time in compliance with tribal, state, and federal regulations. This role leads a payroll team and coordinates with HR and Finance to maintain precise records and reporting.

Responsibilities include processing semi-monthly payroll, audits, GL reconciliation, W-2 issuance, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information while upholding the tribe's policies and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience leading a payroll or finance team.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, local, and Tribal payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll software and the ability to oversee system maintenance, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel functions.
• Ability to analyze data, reconcile payroll figures and forecast.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• High attention to detail, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily payroll operations and staff.
• Process semi-monthly payroll and related reports.
• Validate the accuracy of payroll information, including wage calculations, deductions, and benefits.
• Oversee maintenance and updates of payroll software to ensure system accuracy and compliance.
• Review, audit, analyze employee timesheets, payroll records, employee information and electronic time tracking records.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, including wage garnishments, deductions, and taxes.
• Ensure compliance with all state, local, federal, and Tribal laws regarding finances, payroll, taxes, and reporting.
• Maintain detailed payroll records for auditing, reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Oversee reconciliation of payroll processing and general ledger reporting.
• Review, develop, implement payroll processes and procedures for efficiency and accuracy and internal control.
• Serve as point of contact for payroll staff, Human Resources, and other departments regarding payroll matters.
• Troubleshoot, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies, disputes or other issues in a timely manner.
• Lead, motivate, train, and supervise payroll staff to support professional development and maintain high performance standards.
• Manages calendar and fiscal year-end payroll procedures, including issuance of W-2s, and other regulatory filings.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining payroll-related financial policies, internal controls, and operational procedures and serve as a resource to departments regarding payroll interpretation, system functionality, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Provide training, technical support, and consultation to Tribal employees on payroll processes, timekeeping, compliance requirements, and financial system functionality.
• Lead or participate in initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Monitor payroll metrics and key performance indicators to identify trends and implement improvements.
• Assist with the preparation of payroll budgets, forecasts, and reporting for Tribal leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll information and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Payroll processing

Wage calculations

Deductions

Timekeeping systems

Payroll regulations

Confidentiality

Process improvement

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

The Nisqually Indian Tribe seeks a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time in compliance with tribal, state, and federal regulations. This role leads a payroll team and coordinates with HR and Finance to maintain precise records and reporting.

Responsibilities include processing semi-monthly payroll, audits, GL reconciliation, W-2 issuance, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information while upholding the tribe's policies and