Payroll Program Manager

General Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources, the Payroll Manager ensures completion of Highline College’s payroll transactions in accordance with established standards, ensuring compliance, file reports due to Washington State Employment Security Department, supports Paid Family and Medical Leave program, responds to payroll tax inquiries, and researches pay related issues. This position plans, coordinates and implements all functions regarding semi-monthly payroll for approximately 1,000 employees. The Program Manager is the key advisor to the Executive Director on matters related to payroll administration and compliance.


To be successful, this position requires, not only a command of payroll operations, strong planning, organizational, prioritization, and communication skills. The Payroll Manager must be a strong collaborative partner and skilled at attention to detail, adaptability, time management, empathy, and accountability. This position is an exempt at-will position. Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources, this position:

• Performs semi-monthly payroll processing, maintains the integrity of payroll data in ctcLink/PeopleSoft by verifying and entering pertinent information in a timely and confidential manner;
• Interprets, advises and implements institution policies and procedures related to all payroll processing matters for all college employees;
• Reviews and approves payroll reconciliation;
• Investigate discrepancies, review errors, and make correcting entries as needed;
• Prepares and maintains administrative and business reports and records;
• Supervise and develop payroll office staff (1.0 FTE) to ensure accurate and prompt services are provided and delivered to employees and outside agencies;
• Audits payroll related deductions, processes, garnishments, leave, taxes and other items as required;
• Interprets and implements collective bargaining agreements and state regulations related to payroll, leave, garnishments, and overpayments;
• Implements new procedures as mandated by the State Board, legislative action or collective bargaining agreement and serves as a subject matter expert on payroll matters;
• Runs test payroll options for faculty and staff;
• Gathers or supervises compilation of information (and analyze data) from a number of sources including SBCTC reports, statewide surveys, DATAEXPRESS, leave information, and refers pertinent information to the appropriate supervisor;
• Serves as the primary departmental liaison with SBCTC, Department of Retirement Services, and other State agencies;
• Consults on payroll problems, federal taxes, electronic fund transfers and other miscellaneous deductions;
• Prepares and submits quarterly and annual tax and payroll reports, as well as payroll information for annual budget and grant projections;
• Represents the payroll department in daily business, at staff or College meetings, and at meetings or conferences with the general public;
• Develops and establishes procedures and creates new program policies and practices to improve efficiency and accuracy in the Payroll Department;
• Participates in personnel decisions involving the Human Resources staff and student employees;
• Develops cost estimates and plans and projects future program needs; develops budget requests or revisions and grant or contract proposals;
• Collaboratively works with campus departments in resolving payroll and payroll related (budget numbers) items, correct posting to the general ledger, and coordinate payroll accounting reconciliation;
• Oversees the administration of employee benefits and ensure accuracy between payroll and benefit information;
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Ability to:
Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;Represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and faculty;
• Provide immediate, clear, and direct performance feed back to employees;
• Maintain confidentiality, think critically and exercise independent judgment required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience working with and supporting persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment;
• Understanding of computerized payroll systems and/or previous success learning new computer software programs/platforms required;
• Understanding of payroll rules, regulations and legal issues required;
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, specifically experience creating & editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations;
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Attention to detail as well as previous experience maintaining accurate records, managing multiple tasks, and planning and organizing work in order to meet changing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field or program; AND
• One year of professional experience in payroll and/or human resources.

OR

• Five years of payroll experience required; accounting experience preferred.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience within the Washington State Community and Technical College Payroll/Personnel management system is preferred;
• HRIS experience (PeopleSoft, etc.);
• Accounting experience;
• Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).

Supplemental Information Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. THE COLLEGE Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.MISSION AND VISIONAs an essential part of our mission and vision , diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.APPLICATION PROCEDUREYour online application must include the following to be considered complete:1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for theposition;3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:National Criminal Background Check may be required;This position is covered under the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA)bargaining agreement.APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: APPLICATION HELP?Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at , Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERHighline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at . Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.TITLE IX POLICYHighline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. THE COLLEGE Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees. MISSION AND VISION As an essential part of our mission and vision , diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for theposition;3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: National Criminal Background Check may be required. APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: NEED APPLICATION HELP? Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at , Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time. HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at . Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service. TITLE IX POLICY Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at or . 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President’s Office.

The 504 Coordinator, Jenni Sandler, can be reached at or . 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 25, 5th Floor.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at or . 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting Access Services ; TTY .