Payroll Lead

Department: Finance SRH Exempt: Yes Schedule: DAYS Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More FTE: 1.000000 Base Wage: $ 35.59 to $ 53.39 Location: SRH Business Center The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information: Job Summary The Payroll Lead is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the payroll process at Skagit Regional Health. In addition to the day-to-day activities involved in maintaining payroll records and processing deductions, this position is also responsible for providing mentorship and coaching to the Payroll team, acting as a point of escalation for any issues that arise, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to streamline the payroll process.

Perform periodic internal audits of various payroll areas and prepare materials for external and internal auditors. Ensure withholdings are accurate within the payroll module and create payroll-related journal entries and key adjustments as needed. Expert-level knowledge of time and attendance, responsible for ensuring that all timekeeping data is accurate and up-to-date.

Works closely with HR and other departments to ensure that all employee data is entered correctly and that all payroll-related transactions are processed in a timely and accurate manner. This position is expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy in all aspects of your work.

expert-level knowledge of Payroll systems.

Essential Functions

Maintain expert working knowledge of proper taxation of employer-paid benefits and the SRH timekeeping system. At the direction of the Payroll Manager, coordinate tasks with team members and ensure completion of tasks. Assists with resolving complex issues, share appropriate information with manager and escalates issues that need additional resolution.

Audit and analyze activities involved in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of payroll, including required accruals, monthly reconciliations of related journal entries to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial standards, and ensuring that garnishments and other statutory mandated deductions are processed accurately.

Maintain knowledge of out-of-state tax withholding for remote employees and set up and research new states when needed. Under the supervision and direction of the Payroll Manager, provide assistance with accurate payroll interfaces, inspect automated systems output such as registers and reports, and prepare accounting transactions and documents.

At the direction of the Payroll Manager, reconcile payroll auditing reports before bank transmission and validating confirmed reports. Conduct training for managers on the Kronos timekeeping system and timecard editing/policies, and develop and maintain New Employee Orientation guidelines/presentations. Investigate and resolve timekeeping system access issues, setting up new access profiles, and work with HR on integration issues affecting employee setup/access.

Provide recommendations and assistance in implementing process improvement. Maintain effective working relationships across the organization, develop collaboration, and ensure that responses to customer inquiries align with departmental and organizational service standard expectations. Adhere to all SRH and department specific policies and procedures.

Perform any other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required. Experience/Training Minimum three (3) years of experience in payroll required. Previous experience in payroll accounting, payroll analyst activities, earnings and withholding development, system integrations, and analysis. Previous experience in a multi-union healthcare environment is strongly preferred.

License/Certifications Current Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other related payroll certification preferred. Other Skills Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for this position. The ideal candidate should possess successful customer service, time management, and organizational skills.

They must be dedicated to maintaining quality standards and working collaboratively in a team-based environment. The candidate must have prior experience with Meditech-Payroll, Kronos, or other similar automated time and attendance payroll systems. Additionally, the candidate must possess strong intermediate or expert knowledge of both Washington state and federal wage and hour laws.

They must also have strong analytical experience with collectively bargained payroll. It is crucial that the candidate can handle sensitive and confidential information professionally. The candidate must work effectively with all levels of employees and management. Effective critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills are a must-have for this position.

The candidate should be able to prioritize effectively within a fast-paced environment characterized by multiple interruptions and competing deadlines. Advanced-level MS Excel skills are required, and the candidate must be proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office effectively to carry out the role. The candidate must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends if required and be able to sit for long periods.

Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands of this job require the employee to meet certain criteria to be able to carry out essential functions successfully. The employee is expected to sit for long periods and perform repetitive tasks such as typing, answering phones, interacting with computers and computer systems, as well as other duties related to the position.

The employee must possess specific vision abilities such as close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week.

Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.