Payroll Manager at InsideHigherEd

DescriptionPayroll ManagerSalary: $81,127 - $91,267Classification: Administrative/ExemptReports to: Chief Human Resource OfficerThe Payroll Manager ensures college-wide payroll operations are conducted in full compliance with federal and state laws, as well as policies set forth by Olympic College, the Office of Financial Management, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely payroll, supported by appropriate documentation that meets internal control expectations and withstands external audit review.Working collaboratively with Human Resources and the Budget Office, the Payroll Manager oversees all aspects of payroll processing, including system administration, calculation and submission of tax payments, and the execution of bi-monthly payroll cycles. The position also partners closely with the Academic Business Office to manage faculty workload— including adjunct faculty—and to ensure the timely and accurate creation of faculty contracts.This role requires strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, as it engages with employees, administrators, and partners across the institution. The Payroll Manager must interpret and apply a wide range of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements to ensure the precise and compliant processing of Olympic College payroll.Essential FunctionsSupervise and develop the Payroll Team, providing training, guidance, and performance oversight to ensure efficient processing and full adherence to federal and state laws, as well as college, OFM, and SBCTC policies.Oversee all payroll tax activities, including accurate calculation, withholding, remittance, and reconciliation of federal, state, and local payroll taxes, and ensure timely submission of all required tax filings. Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax obligations, labor laws, and reporting requirements.Plan, organize, and manage the timely and accurate preparation, maintenance, processing, and analysis of the College’s payroll functions.Provide leadership in interpreting and communicating payroll-related information, implementing new rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by federal and state agencies, and recommending updates to departmental policies and procedures.Participate in collective bargaining processes, as appropriate, particularly on matters affecting compensation, faculty workload, and contract provisions.Assign, direct, and evaluate staff performance, establish goals and objectives aligned with the College’s strategic plan, and support completion of key responsibilities such as reconciling insurance billings, retirement reports, W-2s, and other required submissions.Provide guidance and clarification to internal and external stakeholders regarding payroll systems, policies, practices, and information requests.Support annual budget development by preparing labor cost projections and providing periodic updates and analysis.Collaborate with departments and bargaining units on matters related to compensation, ensuring accurate interpretation and implementation.Identify, analyze, and resolve complex payroll issues, developing sustainable processes to manage unique pay situations and improve accuracy.Make personnel decisions within established college policies, including recruiting, hiring, training, and, when necessary, implementing corrective or disciplinary actions.Recommend process improvements to the Chief Human Resource Officer, in coordination with the Chief Operations Officer, to enhance payroll efficiency and strengthen faculty workload and contract processes.Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor on payroll matters, fostering effective relationships with divisional leadership, managers, and employees across the College.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or related field. Experience may substitute for education.5 Years of increasingly responsible payroll and/or accounting experience. 2 years of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.Experience with managing a payroll system through HRIS system, such as ctcLink, or other financial/payroll software.Experience with communicating and coordinating payroll with governing bodies.Preferred QualificationsExperience with ctcLink.Experience working in higher education and with employee representative organizations.Experience or familiarity with Washington State payroll practices, regulations, and guidelines.Additional InformationTerms of EmploymentPlease note that we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.This is a full-time exempt position scheduled to work Monday through Friday. The salary for this position is $81,127 - $91,267 annually, which includes a generous benefits package that includes the following. Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, SBRP retirement plan administered by TIAA, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, 11 paid holidays, leave – vacation/sick/personal holiday, Aflac, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration on-site child care on a space available.For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.Conditions of EmploymentPrior to 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. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327.The employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of the campus to respond to workplace reporting requirements at the time of hiring. Frequent travel to Olympic College campuses or other sites may occur.How To ApplyTo be considered for this position a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:Olympic College Online ApplicationResumeCover Letter - in your cover letter describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.Unofficial college transcripts. Official transcripts and copies of mandated certifications will be required of the successful candidate.EEO StatementOlympic College provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. Accommodation inquiries can be sent to: [email protected]. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.