Payroll Manager

SmartTalent is looking to hire a Payroll Specialist for an office technology company in Kent, WA. Ideal candidate will be motivated to work full time and have over 2-3 years of experience (details below).

TITLE: Payroll Specialist

LOCATION: Kent, WA

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

PAY: $25-$30 DOE

BENEFITS OFFERED: Paid Weekly, Direct Deposit, Affordable Health Care, Full-Time, Opportunities

ABOUT THE JOB

Detail-oriented Payroll & HR Coordinator to support payroll operations and HR administration in a multi-state environment. This role is responsible for processing full-cycle biweekly payroll, ensuring compliance with payroll tax and labor regulations, reconciling payroll and benefits data, and supporting audits and reporting functions. In addition, the position assists with recruitment, onboarding, employee records management, and HR compliance activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration

·        Manage end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for employees across multiple states, including hourly, salaried, commission-based, and draw compensation plans.

·        Ensure payroll practices remain compliant with applicable federal, state, and local employment and tax regulations.

·        Review and balance payroll records to verify accuracy of employee earnings, deductions, benefit contributions, and tax withholdings.

·        Audit employee benefit deductions such as medical, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA plans to ensure proper payroll integration.

·        Work closely with HR and Accounting teams to support payroll reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger accuracy.

·        Prepare and file payroll tax reports and payments for various state and local jurisdictions.

·        Assist with payroll-related audits, including retirement plan audits, financial reviews, and compliance examinations.

·        Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee concerns, and system issues promptly.

·        Safeguard confidential payroll and employee information with a high level of discretion.

·        Contribute as part of a collaborative payroll team to meet processing deadlines and maintain service standards.

Recruiting & New Hire Coordination

·        Support recruiting activities by posting job advertisements, coordinating interview schedules, and maintaining communication with applicants.

·        Assist in preparing employment offers and onboarding documentation.

·        Facilitate onboarding activities, including new hire paperwork, orientation scheduling, and employee setup processes.

·        Coordinate pre-employment requirements such as background screenings, reference checks, and required documentation collection.

·        HR Records Management

·        Maintain accurate employee data and records within the company’s HRIS platform.

·        Ensure all employment documentation, including I-9s, W-4s, and related forms, is completed and stored in compliance with legal requirements.

·        Compliance & Reporting

·        Help support adherence to company policies and employment laws at the federal, state, and local levels.

·        Generate HR-related reports and metrics, including workforce demographics, turnover data, and headcount reporting.

CORE COMPETENCIES

·        Customer Service Orientation: Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and responsiveness when assisting employees and resolving concerns.

·        Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally through verbal and written interactions with employees, candidates, and team members.

·        Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Identifies issues efficiently, analyzes root causes, and implements practical solutions in a timely manner.

·        Flexibility & Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and adjusts effectively to changing priorities, systems, and business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

·        2 years of payroll or payroll accounting experience, ideally supporting employees in multiple states.

·        Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.

·        Experience using ADP Workforce Now or comparable payroll platforms.

·        Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis/reconciliation.

·        Excellent organizational skills with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

·        Previous involvement with payroll, financial, or 401(k) audits.

·        Familiarity with commission-based and draw compensation structures.

·        Experience supporting remote or geographically dispersed teams.

·        Knowledge of payroll deductions and benefit administration, including pre-tax/post-tax processing and arrears management.

 SmartTalent Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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