Payroll Office Specialist

Job Description

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) has an outstanding opportunity for a Payroll Office Specialist (Payroll Office Specialist NE S SEIU Non Supv) to join their team.     

About this Opportunity     

The Payroll Office Specialist to play a key role in providing payroll customer support to employees throughout the institution. Under general supervision of the Payroll Office Manager, the Payroll Support Specialist will play a critical role in delivering quality exceptional customer service and addressing payroll-related inquiries. 

Key Responsibilities 

Payment Adjustments and Corrections- 60% 

• Overpayment recovery, including reporting and coordination with external collection agencies 

• Retroactive payments 

• Payment adjustments 

• Final payments 

• Time entry and corrections 

• Provide guidance on payroll transactional processes, including payroll inputs and voluntary deductions 

Customer Service- 20% 

• Coordinate with internal partners to resolve escalated inquiries 

• Utilize UW Connect to facilitate management of inquiries/issues in accordance with established protocols. 

• Support periodic Workday update cycles, including payroll testing 

• Collaborate across Payroll, UW Benefits and HCM to ensure timely resolution of complex issues 

Knowledge, Training & Compliance- 20% 

• Support payroll knowledge-management processes, including updates to the internal knowledge repository (Wiki, etc.) 

• Support payroll training activities, including development, delivery, and verification of training content 

• Contribute to internal control development and management reporting aligned with state and federal tax regulations 

• Identify and escalate process- improvement opportunities to deliver enhanced customer services to the organization 

Performance Standards (Applies to All Responsibilities) 

• Complete assigned payroll transactions accurately and on schedule 

• Maintain a strong customer-service environment through collaboration and clear communication 

• Perform related duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.  

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, or closely related field that includes thirty quarter hours or twenty semester hours of college-level accounting courses 

• Three years of experience working in a payroll related role, including working knowledge of key payroll transactional processes, accounting standards and taxation requirements 

• Two years of working experience processing transactions in the payroll domain 

• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing excellent customer service to a wide range of customers 

• Experience providing service to a diverse group of customers; ability to exhibit a high degree of respect for diversity in customer base 

• Experience resolving complex inquiries and exhibiting efficient performance during high-volume timeframes  

• Ability to learn broad scope of Payroll/Finance/HR content in order to provide excellent customer service 

• Ability to communicate clearly, in writing and in verbally to a broad, diverse audience 

• Ability to quickly learn new software systems 

• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities 

About the Team

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:    

• Financial Stewardship & Operations    

• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support    

• Budget, Policy & Strategy    

• University Business Service  

The Payroll Office has responsibility for executing designated payroll transactional processes, including payroll inputs, retroactive payments, overpayment recovery, withholding orders, tax treaties, time tracking and report reconciliation and addressing customer inquiries. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.