Payroll Partner

We are a district of three distinct colleges, North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College, and five specialty training centers, which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington. We are leaders in change and innovation. 

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice including, committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary

Position open until filled / First Review of materials will begin: December 9, 2024

Salary range for this position is: $57,984/yr. - $78,096/yr. (depending on experience)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Partner will be responsible for complex, professional level Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources operations assignments such as payroll, compensation and classification, and benefits. This position consults with and provides expert assistance to managers, staff and the public regarding inquiries and service requests, provides information to clients and explains policies, rules, and regulations applicable to Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources. Under general direction and guidance, the position independently applies specialized knowledge and uses independent judgment in resolving technical and paraprofessional problems and interpreting, explaining, and applying Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations, or procedures; and processing and ensuring the accuracy of Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources documents and records. This position is responsible for the accuracy of records, exercises decision making authority, and initiates corrective action within established guidelines regarding human resource issues.

This position may direct the work of Classified, Student, Work Study, and temporary employees.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation as well as all the benefits as a Washington State employee. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overview here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE.

Application Requirements:

• Attach current resume
• Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
• Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges is working under hybrid remote and on-site operations, and holding interviews virtually using video conference or teleconference options. As such, if you are selected for interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

• Serves as team/project leader in the Payroll department; serves as project leader in special assignments.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information about Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations or procedures within functional area(s) such as employment examination requirements, benefits eligibility criteria, calculation, and program offerings, classification, compensation, leave rules and procedures; and employee relations.
• Leads response to complex department email and service tickets.
• Conducts surveys of other employers' practices such as wages, benefits, human resource policies and programs, and participates in implementing revisions to human resource programs.
• Identifies and recommends training topics and resources; develops and provides presentations and training programs regarding Payroll and Benefits functions and procedures.
• Assists Human Resources staff in administering a variety of human resource functions such as employment examinations, employee training and orientation, salary surveys, benefits enrollment and temporary appointments.
• Analyzes and summarizes data and prepares reports using computerized and/or manual systems; enters and/or retrieves data and coordinates the maintenance of computerized Human Resources information or other recordkeeping systems; verifies accuracy of records and documents adjustments; maintains confidential records. 
• Compiles data and prepares reports, statistics and statistical summaries, narrative summaries or graphic representations of data; prepares correspondence and spreadsheets; may analyze and prepare organizational structure charts of departments for all of Seattle Colleges.
• Analyzes, interprets, explains, and applies Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations or procedures. 
• Reviews and ensures the accuracy and completeness of Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources documents such as leave and salary records, benefits enrollment or claim forms and employee data forms.
• Assists in developing and implementing Human Resources procedures; recommends changes in procedures or rules to facilitate effectiveness across Seattle Colleges.
• Receives, reviews, ensures the accuracy and completeness of, compiles and/or maintains Human Resources data, documents and records such as leave and salary records and employee data forms. 
• Manages confidential employee information and records in accordance with local, State and Federal laws such as, FERPA, HIPAA and State Retention Schedule.
• May support responses to complex employment verification and other employee info requests from employees or members of the public; provides or verifies requested information.
• May support responses to complex unemployment, workers' compensation and/or group insurance claims.
• May conduct job analyses to identify position requirements; develop or modify examinations and establish rating criteria; participates in the interview process; evaluates and refers candidates; advises management regarding requirements and options. 
• May analyzes and recommend allocation of positions; analyzes and recommends changes to classifications and salaries
• May participate in employment and recruitment activities such as conducting screening interviews, administering and scoring employment examinations, notifying applicants of examination results, certifying candidates for vacancies, and other HR and Payroll activities.
• May direct the work of others.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Four or more years of office experience including at least six months of experience in a human resource or related setting, OR, Equivalent education/experience.

Physical Requirements:

The Position

• Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to Perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. 
• Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday. 
• Is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants: 

• Ability to operate office equipment 
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials 
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person 

Notice of Non-discrimination Statement 

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyber bullying.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the colleges' Director of Legal Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803

(206) 934-3873 

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.