Payroll Processing Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.
McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.
Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?
The Opportunity with McKinstry
We are adding a newly created Payroll Analyst roles to our team in Seattle, WA. (only Local Candidates will be considered) These positions were created as part of McKinstry's strategic transformation to UKG - a major platform investment that is reshaping how we run payroll. We are revitalizing the department around new technology, new capabilities, and new skill sets, and we need sharp analytical minds to help us build it right from day one.
This is a hands-on role at the intersection of payroll expertise and operational analytics - where deep subject matter knowledge, data integrity, and continuous process improvement all come together. You will bring both technical precision and genuine payroll fluency to a fast-moving construction environment. If you are detail-driven, payroll-savvy, and ready to grow alongside a platform transformation, this role was built for you.
What You'll Do
Be the Payroll Subject Matter Expert
Serve as a frontline resource for complex employee payroll questions - escalations involving garnishments, wage and hour regulations, multi-state tax rules, and CBA-driven pay situations. You bring the payroll knowledge to explain not just what the system calculated, but why, and what the right answer is.
Analyze Payroll In-Cycle and Post-Cycle
Review gross-to-net calculations, deduction totals, and exception reports during weekly processing, then reconcile against prior periods and validate headcount changes after finalization. Prepare weekly summary reports for Payroll leadership and support off-cycle adjustments and retroactive pay calculations as needed.
Validate and Protect Data Integrity
Run daily cross-system validation checks across integrated payroll and HR applications, resolving dropped, duplicated, or misaligned records before each cycle.
Optimize SOPs and Drive Continuous Improvement
Document, review, and improve payroll SOPs - identifying manual steps that can be streamlined or automated. Partner with Senior Analysts to redesign workflows as systems evolve or compliance requirements shift.
Support Year-End and Tax Reconciliation
Contribute to year-end close including W-2 preparation, taxable wage reconciliation, payroll register balancing across all jurisdictions, and quarterly 941 reconciliations.
Why Join Us?
We are a people-first organization that treats payroll as a critical professional discipline, not a back-office afterthought. We promote from within and invest heavily in our people - including dedicated support and funding for FPC and CPP certification. If you are precise by nature, process-driven by habit, and ready to grow inside a team that actually respects the craft of payroll, let's talk.
What You Need to Succeed

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2-6 years of payroll analyst experience; construction industry experiences a strong plus
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, garnishment administration, wage and hour law, multi-state and state-specific tax rules, and CBA-driven pay calculations
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 proficiency is required
• Experience building payroll checklists, activity logs, and structured process documentation; ability to write and optimize SOPs
• Familiarity with union payroll and fringe benefit reporting is preferred
• Experience with or willingness to learn AI-assisted tools and automation for payroll data workflows
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred or required within 12 months; CPP encouraged as a development goal

The pay range for this position is $72,100 - $119,300 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
PeopleFirst Benefits
When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.
If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.
The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.
McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.
Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.
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