The Payroll Administrator partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS ...
The Payroll Administrator partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS ...
Payroll Accountant
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Payroll Administrator partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS ...
Payroll Accountant
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Payroll Administrator partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
This Payroll Specialist will own biweekly payroll, ensure compliance with union agreements, and keep operations running smoothly. The Payroll Specialist will leverage UKG heavily for processing ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
This Payroll Specialist will own biweekly payroll, ensure compliance with union agreements, and keep operations running smoothly. The Payroll Specialist will leverage UKG heavily for processing ...
Payroll Specialist
$58K - $70K/yr
Payroll Specialist Location: Bremerton (On-site) Salary Range: $58,240 - $70,720 DOE Join a mission-driven public service organization that keeps communities moving and connected. Our client has ...
Payroll Specialist
$58K - $70K/yr
Payroll Specialist Location: Bremerton (On-site) Salary Range: $58,240 - $70,720 DOE Join a mission-driven public service organization that keeps communities moving and connected. Our client has ...
Payroll Specialist
Lynnwood, WA · On-site
$27.98 - $36.39/hr
Part-Time Payroll Specialist All Things HR, LLC, an outsourced human resource consulting firm is searching for a part-time Payroll Specialist to join our team! The Payroll Specialist is responsible ...
Payroll Specialist
Lynnwood, WA · On-site
$27.98 - $36.39/hr
Part-Time Payroll Specialist All Things HR, LLC, an outsourced human resource consulting firm is searching for a part-time Payroll Specialist to join our team! The Payroll Specialist is responsible ...
Payroll Specialist
Lynnwood, WA · On-site
Part-Time Payroll Specialist All Things HR, LLC, an outsourced human resource consulting firm is searching for a part-time Payroll Specialist to join our team! The Payroll Specialist is responsible ...
Quick apply
Payroll Specialist
Lynnwood, WA · On-site
Part-Time Payroll Specialist All Things HR, LLC, an outsourced human resource consulting firm is searching for a part-time Payroll Specialist to join our team! The Payroll Specialist is responsible ...
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Payroll Administrator
Renton, WA · On-site
$65K - $95K/yr
This Payroll Administrator is responsible for supporting the accurate and compliant processing of bi-weekly, multi-site payroll, managing payroll-related accounting activities, and ensuring ...
Payroll Administrator
Renton, WA · On-site
$65K - $95K/yr
This Payroll Administrator is responsible for supporting the accurate and compliant processing of bi-weekly, multi-site payroll, managing payroll-related accounting activities, and ensuring ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
This Payroll Specialist will own biweekly payroll, ensure compliance with union agreements, and keep operations running smoothly. The Payroll Specialist will leverage UKG heavily for processing ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
This Payroll Specialist will own biweekly payroll, ensure compliance with union agreements, and keep operations running smoothly. The Payroll Specialist will leverage UKG heavily for processing ...
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Quick apply
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Payroll Supervisor
Seattle, WA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Payroll Supervisor
Seattle, WA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · Remote
$65K - $95K/yr
Payroll Specialist | Fully Remote Opportunity Base Comp To $90K + Bonus DOE + 100% Employer-Paid Benefits Client Facing Role | High-Trust, High-Accountability Environment | Strong Work-Life Balance ...
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Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · Remote
$65K - $95K/yr
Payroll Specialist | Fully Remote Opportunity Base Comp To $90K + Bonus DOE + 100% Employer-Paid Benefits Client Facing Role | High-Trust, High-Accountability Environment | Strong Work-Life Balance ...
Payroll Specialist
Bellevue, WA · On-site +1
$58K - $72K/yr
Payroll Specialist Bellevue, WA/Hybrid Salary Range $58,240-$72,800 Work Somewhere That Truly Values Its People Join an organization where purpose, integrity, and teamwork guide everything we do.
Payroll Specialist
Bellevue, WA · On-site +1
$58K - $72K/yr
Payroll Specialist Bellevue, WA/Hybrid Salary Range $58,240-$72,800 Work Somewhere That Truly Values Its People Join an organization where purpose, integrity, and teamwork guide everything we do.
Payroll Supervisor
$90K - $110K/yr
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Payroll Supervisor
$90K - $110K/yr
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Payroll Specialist
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
Payroll Specialist Location: Seattle, On Site Salary Range: 70,000K-85,000K DOE If you're a detail‑driven payroll professional ready to support a complex, high‑volume environment as a Payroll ...
Payroll Specialist
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
Payroll Specialist Location: Seattle, On Site Salary Range: 70,000K-85,000K DOE If you're a detail‑driven payroll professional ready to support a complex, high‑volume environment as a Payroll ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
Payroll Specialist Location: Seattle, On Site Salary Range: 70,000K-85,000K DOE If you're a detail‑driven payroll professional ready to support a complex, high‑volume environment as a Payroll ...
Payroll Specialist
Seattle, WA · On-site
$26.75 - $36.50/hr
Payroll Specialist Location: Seattle, On Site Salary Range: 70,000K-85,000K DOE If you're a detail‑driven payroll professional ready to support a complex, high‑volume environment as a Payroll ...
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Payroll Clerk
Seattle, WA · On-site
$34 - $36/hr
Position Summary The Payroll Clerk is responsible for ensuring client employees are paid accurately and on time in accordance with client policies, applicable labor contracts, and local, state, and ...
Payroll Supervisor
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Quick apply
Payroll Supervisor
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Payroll Supervisor coaches and supports two payroll staff members. Work closely with the accounting manager to enhance performance of the Payroll team. Partner with HR, Finance/Accounting, and ...
Payroll Specialist
Bremerton, WA · On-site
$58K - $70K/yr
Payroll Specialist Location: Bremerton (On-site) Salary Range: $58,240 - $70,720 DOE Join a mission-driven public service organization that keeps communities moving and connected. Our client has ...
Payroll Specialist
Bremerton, WA · On-site
$58K - $70K/yr
Payroll Specialist Location: Bremerton (On-site) Salary Range: $58,240 - $70,720 DOE Join a mission-driven public service organization that keeps communities moving and connected. Our client has ...
Payroll Administrator
Bremerton, WA · Hybrid
$28.51 - $39.18/hr
The Payroll Administrator is directly responsible for all aspects of payroll processing and payroll accounting. They have thorough knowledge and understanding of Workday Payroll to process high ...
Payroll Administrator
Bremerton, WA · Hybrid
$28.51 - $39.18/hr
The Payroll Administrator is directly responsible for all aspects of payroll processing and payroll accounting. They have thorough knowledge and understanding of Workday Payroll to process high ...
Payroll information
See Bothell, WA salary details
$16.93 - $19.37
3% of jobs
$19.37 - $21.82
7% of jobs
$21.82 - $24.26
9% of jobs
$25.23 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$24.26 - $26.70
13% of jobs
$26.70 - $29.14
16% of jobs
The median wage is $29.39 / hr.
$29.14 - $31.59
16% of jobs
$33.51 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$31.59 - $34.03
14% of jobs
$34.03 - $36.47
9% of jobs
$36.47 - $38.92
6% of jobs
$38.92 - $41.36
4% of jobs
$41.36 - $43.80
2% of jobs
$16
$30
$43
How much do payroll jobs pay per hour?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Specialist, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Payroll vs Bookkeeper?
| Aspect | Payroll | Bookkeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Calculates employee wages, manages tax deductions, and processes payments | Maintains financial records, records transactions, and manages accounts |
| Required Credentials | Knowledge of payroll laws, payroll software, sometimes certifications like CPP | Basic accounting knowledge, often bookkeeping certifications |
| Work Environment | Office setting, often HR or finance departments | Office environment, accounting or finance departments |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used in HR, finance, and payroll service providers | Used across small to large businesses for financial record-keeping |
Payroll specialists focus on employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance, while bookkeepers handle overall financial record-keeping and transaction management. Both roles are essential for business financial health but serve different functions within the finance department.
What is payroll?
What are the most common challenges faced by payroll professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 18 days ago
Job description
The Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll, compensation, benefits-related reporting, and payroll accounting processes. This role oversees biweekly payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, payroll-related tax reporting, and retirement plan reporting, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
The Payroll Administrator partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS/Payroll system, Paylocity. This position also supports audits, reporting, and payroll-related financial analysis, and serves as a key operational resource for payroll systems, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
Payroll Processing & Administration
- Administer and process payroll accurately, in accordance with internal policies and regulatory requirements, and on schedule for all employees
- Review and validate payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, accruals, and direct deposits
- Audit payroll transactions prior to processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Support regular and off-cycle payroll processing
- Ensure payroll changes are entered accurately and effective dated appropriately
- Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation
- Coordinate payroll processing timelines and communicate deadlines to stakeholders
Payroll Change Management
- Review employee payroll changes for accuracy, including:
- Compensation changes
- Promotions and transfers
- Status changes (FT/PT, Exempt/Non-exempt)
- One-time payments and stipends
- Deduction updates
- Retroactive adjustments
- Validate approvals and supporting documentation prior to processing changes
- Partner with HR and Finance to ensure changes align with organizational policies and approved workflows
Time & Attendance Administration
- Support timekeeping administration within Paylocity
- Review and troubleshoot timecard discrepancies, missed punches, and payroll exceptions
- Monitor timecard approvals and follow up with managers as needed
- Ensure compliance with wage and hour requirements, including overtime and meal/rest break requirements
Leave & Benefits Coordination
- Coordinate payroll impacts related to leaves of absence, including paid and unpaid leave
- Process benefit deductions accurately and timely
- Support benefits and payroll reconciliation activities
- Coordinate final pay processing and PTO payouts for employee separations
- Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and statements
- Prepare and provide reports for pension and 403(b) plan administration
- Support annual audits for the defined benefit pension plan and 403(b) retirement plan
- Serve as a key contact for the 403(b) audit process
- Prepare required Paylocity reports and census data for retirement plan administration
- Reconcile retirement plan reports and resolve discrepancies
Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
- Support payroll audits and provide documentation as requested
- Prepare and review payroll-related reports and reconciliations
- Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing
- Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information
- Coordinate with the Revenue Accountant to provide grant-related compensation information
- Maintain tracking for grant-funded and endowment-funded positions
- In partnership with HR, prepare monthly compensation analytics and reporting
- Calculate and reconcile quarterly City of Seattle Payroll Tax obligations
- Review quarterly Form 941 filings prepared by Paylocity and reconcile discrepancies
- Review annual W-2 reporting and reconcile discrepancies
- Partner with the Controller to analyze monthly and year-to-date variances between compensation budget and actuals
Employee Support
- Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding payroll processes and deadlines
- Support employees understanding of pay statements, deductions, and payroll timing
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain payroll data integrity within Paylocity
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, controls, and efficiencies
- Support payroll-related testing and system updates
- Assist with implementation and optimization of payroll and HRIS processes
- Associate of Arts degree in accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3-5+ years of payroll administration and reporting experience
- Three years' related payroll and accounting experience required with a demonstrated level of increasing responsibilities
- Demonstrated experience in exercising good judgment concerning accounting management and compliance practices
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with executives, management, and employees
- Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines
- Exceptional time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
- Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and internet-based research
- Expertise in Microsoft Excel with an ability to create complex spreadsheets via formulas, pivot tables, and other excel functions
- Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
- Experience processing payroll in an HRIS/payroll system
- Strong understanding of payroll processes, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance requirements
- Experience supporting timekeeping and payroll reconciliations
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
- Strong customer service and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Paylocity
- Experience in nonprofit, museum, arts, cultural, or unionized environments
- Familiarity with Washington State payroll and leave requirements
- Familiarity with Colorado payroll requirements
- CPP or FPC certification preferred
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!About Seattle Art Museum
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Museums and historical sites
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Seattle, WA, US
Year founded
1933