What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Consultant 3 - Payroll position at Columbia Basin College (WA)?
Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or "the College") seeks a Human Resources Consultant 3 (HRC3) to serve as a senior-level consultant and Team Lead for Columbia Basin College’s payroll administration and processing. This role reports to the Director for Compensation and supports the College’s mission by promoting transparency, and efficient operational excellence in payroll services. The HRC3 operates independently within established guidelines, ensuring that policies and procedures are applied with accuracy, fairness, and consistency, while contributing to the College’s mission of transforming lives through education, economic mobility, and community-building. This position reports to the Director for Compensation.
This position closes on June 7, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at dcook@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4407.
- Lead and support training, to staff and stakeholders on payroll processes, compliance requirements, and system functionality;
- Lead and coordinate payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and institutional policies;
- Monitor payroll data for accuracy, including year-to-date balances, tax reporting, and system calculations; resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance;
- Partner with Benefits and Accounting to ensure alignment across payroll, leave, and benefits-related processes;
- Ensure payroll processes related to employment contracts are administered accurately and in accordance with applicable agreements and procedures;
- Support and maintain the Human Capital Management system, identifying issues and recommending process improvements;
- Analyze payroll and compensation data to identify trends and provide recommendations to leadership;
- Collaborate with leadership, supervisors and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative, inclusive strategies for process improvements;
- Respond to complex payroll inquiries to resolve issues and ensure alignment with institutional priorities;
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility in payroll programs and processes, ensuring equitable support and opportunities for all employees; and
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
- Two (2) or more years of relevant experience in payroll operations, including payroll processing and compliance; and
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and SQL, including the ability to analyze data, generate reports, troubleshoot issues, and support payroll-related processes and audits.
OR
- Equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and their impact on payroll processes;
- Expert-level knowledge and experience using Microsoft Excel and SQL for data analysis, reporting, and process improvement;
- Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements; and
- Experience in higher education and/or public sector payroll operations.
Skills and Abilities
Problem-Solving Skills: Address payroll challenges with innovative, timely, and effective solutions;
Organizational Skills: Manage multiple payroll responsibilities efficiently, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines;
Attention to Detail: Maintain precision in payroll processing, compliance documentation, and data management;
Analytical Skills: Leverage data to identify trends, address challenges, and recommend improvements in payroll operations;
Communication Skills: Clearly and professionally communicate payroll information, tailoring messages to diverse audiences;
Customer Service Skills: Provide empathetic and responsive support to employees with payroll-related inquiries;
Technology Proficiency: Demonstrates advanced skill in utilizing payroll systems, spreadsheets, and related technologies to ensure accurate processing, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance. Learns new systems quickly, troubleshoots technical issues, and serves as a resource for system-related processes and best practices;
CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable; and
Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.
This position is a full-time, overtime eligible classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College.
Process Note:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
Conditions of Employment:
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
Other Job Elements:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
Working Conditions:
Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.
Salary : $67,992 - $91,464