Payroll Accountant - Seattle IT

Full Job Description

The Strategic Support Division of Seattle Information Technology (IT) is seeking candidates for a Payroll Accountant (Accountant) to join the Seattle IT Human Resources team.

About us:

The City of Seattle believes in the diversity of our people, ideas, and experiences and is committed to building an inclusive culture that is representative of the community we serve.

Seattle Information Technology plays a crucial role in enabling smart, equitable, and responsive services for City employees, Seattle residents, and local businesses.

We work to unleash our people and community through technology solutions, infrastructure, and well-executed projects that are secure and resilient.

We invest in open access to City information, privacy and responsible technology use, digital access, collaboration, customer service, and strategic planning.

We are a leader in local government progress towards responsible AI adoption. These are Seattle’s values in action.

Seattle IT's mission: We put powerful information and tools in the hands of people to unleash brilliance in service to our community. You can see Seattle IT’s direction here: ITStrategicPlan2025-2027.pdf.

Requirements

As Seattle IT’s payroll and timekeeping subject matter expert, the Payroll Accountant ensures accurate and timely pay for more than 600 regular and temporary employees, including union labor groups.

This role serves as the primary resource for complex payroll and timekeeping issues, partnering closely with Human Resources (HR) and proactively identifying potential challenges before they arise.

Reporting to the HR Director, the Payroll Accountant plays a critical role within the HR team by managing payroll operations, auditing data for compliance, and providing expert guidance on payroll policies and procedures.

The City implemented Workday as its HRIS in August 2024, and we are continuing to optimize the system.

This position will serve as the payroll processing SME within Workday, offering troubleshooting, configuration support, and process improvement recommendations to ensure efficiency and compliance.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, high-volume environment, demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and brings exceptional prioritization and time management to every task.

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process bi-weekly payroll for 600+ employees, including union labor groups, under strict deadlines.
• Validate payroll data for regular hours, overtime, special pay categories, and union contract wage changes.
• Calculate and process retro payments, termination payments, lump sums, off-cycle pay, adjustments, and reversals.
• Ensure compliance with payroll policies, labor agreements, and regulatory requirements.

Auditing & Accuracy

• Audit time entries and pay-related transactions to identify discrepancies and resolve issues proactively.
• Conduct research and analysis of payroll and timekeeping data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll reports for audits, annual wage increases, reclassifications, and salary adjustments.

Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze payroll issues, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare ad hoc reports for finance, auditing, and special projects with financial impact.
• Collaborate with HR and accounting teams to reconcile data and maintain accurate records.

Process Improvement & Policy

• Assist in developing payroll policies, procedures, contingency plans, and process improvement initiatives.
• Leverage tools and systems (e.g., Workday, Excel) to streamline payroll operations and reporting.

Collaboration & Confidentiality

• Work closely with managers to provide historical and current payroll information.
• Handle sensitive payroll data with strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Workday Payroll, including processing, auditing, and troubleshooting payroll transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when handling sensitive payroll data.
• Ability to interpret and apply Collective Bargaining Agreements, Personnel Rules, and payroll policies accurately.
• Strong understanding of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and related compliance requirements.
• Intermediate Excel skills, including pivot tables, XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis techniques for payroll reconciliation and reporting.
• Proven ability to work independently for extended periods, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, with high standards for quality and compliance.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills for payroll reconciliation, problem-solving, and reporting,
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Experience working within a matrix management organization, balancing multiple priorities and stakeholders.

Additional Information

Salary

The full salary range for this classification is $44.19 - $51.46 per hour. This is a step program classification. Current City of Seattle employees will be hired in alignment with the personnel rules and/or applicable bargaining unit. All others will be hired at Step 1.

Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Additionally, we provide free public transportation options.

Telework Expectations

This position offers flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.

Hybrid telework schedules have a minimum requirement of *three days onsite per week, which is subject to change at any time at the Mayor’s discretion.

Individual schedules are based on *applicable collective bargaining unit, operational needs, and agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Application & Selection Process

Please provide a complete application. Attachments will not be reviewed. Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and attention to detail. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in one or more interviews.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

Background Check

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

In addition, the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) comprehensive background investigation, which includes fingerprinting, is required for this body of work.

Additionally, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) comprehensive background investigation is required for this body of work.

Why Join the City of Seattle

The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our views and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Accommodations

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

For more information regarding this recruitment or if you require an accommodation, please contact Jody Barlow at Jody.Barlow@seattle.gov.

#LI-FW1

#LI-Hybrid