Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for reviewing, verifying, balancing, and processing payroll data for Washington County’s centralized payroll system. This role requires specialized payroll knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to complete complex payroll accounting tasks .

Essential Duties:

• Process and maintain payroll data, including time entry, pay rates, leave, deductions, garnishments, and corrections

• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance by preparing reports, reconciling records, resolving discrepancies, and interpreting policies, regulations, and union contracts

• Prepare and submit payroll taxes , assist with reconciling pa yroll accounts, including PERS reconciliations

• Issue or reissue paychecks and direct deposits for regular processing, adjustments, and separations

• Support and improve payroll systems by testing changes, recommending process enhancements, and assisting decentralized payroll users

• Train new payroll users and participate in evaluating and updating payroll procedures

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Payroll processing systems and ERP platforms (such as Workday), including payroll controls and procedures

• Federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, and PERS processes

• Governmental payroll practices, personnel policies, and union contract provisions

• Financial recordkeeping principles and payroll related software tools

• Accurately process and reconcile high v olume, complex payroll data under strict deadlines

• Research and analyze payroll issues, including deductions, garnishments, and regulatory impacts

• Use payroll and financial systems to prepare reports, maintain records, and ensure compliance

• Communicate clearly and effectively with employees, departments, and stakeholders

• Learn and navigate payroll software and ERP systems quickly

• Generate accurate payroll, tax, and year end reports with minimal oversight

• Work independently while collaborating effectively with various individuals and departments

• Interpret and apply policies, regulations, and union contract provisions to payroll decisions

Minimum Qualifications

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Payroll Specialist Class Specification

Education and Experience:

• Possession of an Associate ’s Degree in accounting , business, or related field AND two (2) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience related to maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records, OR

• Accounting Certificate (12 months) AND three (3) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience related to maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records; OR

• Five (5) or more years of relevant full cycle payroll processing experience maintaining a payroll system or processing payroll records.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a background check which includes evaluation of credit history.