Sr. Payroll Administrator

The Krusteaz Company; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K matching

Paid vacation (4 weeks)

Paid holidays (10)

Personal holiday

Life insurance

Disability insurance

FSA/HSA

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Krusteaz Company is seeking a seasoned Payroll Manager to lead our biweekly multi‑state payroll operations. You will ensure accurate processing, compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and timely reporting.

You will partner with HR and accounting to align payroll with benefits, PTO, and employee data. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in payroll leadership, FP&A knowledge, and experience with automated systems such as UKG Pro.

Qualifications

• Must have strong problem‑solving skills and ability to identify root causes.
• Solid analytical skills and knowledge of payroll regulations and compliance.
• Proficient with automated payroll systems (UKG Pro) and timekeeping.
• Excellent organization with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication across levels.
• Ability to collaborate with HR, benefits, and accounting.
• Experience with multi‑state payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Manage accurate biweekly multi‑state payroll processing, including taxes, deductions, and paychecks.
• Audit timekeeping records and payroll data for accuracy and compliance.
• Handle payroll tax obligations and third‑party tax filings.
• Prepare and transmit payroll reports and interfaces to systems.
• Coordinate payroll, benefits, PTO data across departments.
• Administer payroll and timekeeping systems; provide training.
• Review procedures and implement improvements for accuracy and efficiency.
• Serve as payroll subject matter expert on projects and task forces.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll promptly.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Payroll systems knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Timekeeping systems

Organization

Communication (verbal/written)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Certified Payroll Professional designation (preferred)

Tools

UKG Pro

Workforce Management timekeeping

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is responsible for managing all payroll functions, with an emphasis on accuracy, organization, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making. Successful execution of these responsibilities supports efficient, accurate, and timely payroll processing, resulting in high employee satisfaction and fiscal accuracy.

Essential Functions:

• Manage accurate and timely biweekly multi‑state payroll processing, including wages, hours, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, taxes, paycheck issuance, and electronic transfers in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Compile, review, and input payroll data from timekeeping systems, and other records, ensuring appropriate checks and balances for payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Audit timekeeping records, payroll deductions, W‑4s, payroll balance sheets, year‑to‑date earnings, and related payroll documentation to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage payroll tax obligations, including payroll liabilities, federal, state, and local tax requirements, and third‑party tax filing services.
• Prepare, balance, and transmit payroll‑related reports and data, including 401(k) contribution reports, labor reports, management reports, and interfaces to internal and external systems.
• Partner with HR, benefits, accounting, and other stakeholders to align payroll, benefits, PTO, and employee data across systems and processes.
• Manage payroll, timekeeping, Manager Self Service, and Employee Self Service systems, including process administration, security, troubleshooting, and user training.
• Review current payroll, benefits, tax, and system procedures; recommend and implement improvements that support accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and best‑practice operations.
• Serve as the payroll process and systems functional expert on projects and task forces.
• Research, troubleshoot, and respond to employee and management inquiries regarding payroll issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain payroll and employee files, records retention, confidentiality, and payroll operations in accordance with company policy and applicable regulatory requirements.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Strong analytical skills and technical knowledge of payroll systems, payroll regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and automated payroll (UKG Pro) and Workforce Management timekeeping systems.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, facilitation, and active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work effectively with senior‑level staff.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; equivalent experience or training may be considered.
• 7+ years of experience managing multi‑state payrolls required; experience with a mid‑to large‑sized, multi‑state employer preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional Designation preferred.
• Experience with federal, state, and local payroll taxation requirements.
• Experience preparing multi‑state payroll using an automated payroll system, such as UKG Pro.
• Workforce Management (timekeeping) experience strongly preferred.

Get to know us:

Learn more about our Corporate Office and Culture.

Hybrid Work Model:

At The Krusteaz Company, we have in‑office "core days" of Tuesdays and Wednesdays where all corporate employees are expected to be onsite. Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays are flexible remote days to allow for work/life balance. You may be asked to come in outside of a core day from time to time, based on business needs. We have found aligning our scheduled in‑office days provides an opportunity for employees to build connections and collaborate together.

Benefits:

We are proud to offer generous benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (starting at $105/month for employee‑only coverage on the PPO Plan or starting at $45/month for employee‑only coverage on the HDHP), 401(K) matching, 4 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, 1 paid personal holiday, company provided life insurance and disability insurance, flexible spending account, healthcare saving account, voluntary accident insurance, voluntary critical illness insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Learn more about our Benefits.

Salary Information:

An employee in this position can expect a salary range between $81,433 and $121,804. We typically pay out between $86,000 and $110,000. The actual salary offered will be carefully considered based on a wide range of factors, including internal equity, experience, education, certification, training, and location. All positions are eligible for additional incentives based on business performance.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone along with reaching. Specific vision abilities include close vision requirements due to computer work. Moderate noise, ability to work in a confined area, and ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time.

The policy of Continental Mills, Inc. dba The Krusteaz Company is to hire, train, and promote all persons in all job groups in accordance with law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or military status, national origin, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.

The Krusteaz Company is not sponsoring new applicant employment authorization at this time, and please, no third‑party recruiters.