Payroll Administrator

Salary : $91,800.00 - $114,756.00 Annually
Location : Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-013
Department: Auditor
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: 2/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON

General Position Summary
This position is appointed by the Cowlitz County Auditor and works closely with the Auditor, Chief Deputy Auditor, Comptroller, Chief Accountant, and Accounting Department staff within the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office, and Department Heads and Elected Officials over other County departments. This position is responsible for administering and maintaining current salaries and any changes as they occur in addition to creating and maintaining policies and procedures for the Payroll and Payables Division in the Auditor's Office ensuring we are in compliance with all applicable statute and regulations.
Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administer salary changes into the county payroll system when union contracts are settled (wage increases and cost of living increases).

Administer salary changes into the county payroll system for employee annual step increases, cost of living increases and longevity pay increases as they occur.

Administer changes to salary combination codes in the county payroll system as necessary as changes occur.

Assist Human Resources with wage calculations and payroll administration efficiencies during contract negotiations and salary surveys.

Calculate retro-pay for payroll corrections and contract settlements.

Drafts, reviews, and maintains Auditor's Office policies and procedures as they pertain to Payroll and Payables Divisions in the Auditor's Office.

Backup to the Accounts Payable and Payroll Divisions.

Assist in the implementation and resolution of PeopleSoft errors related to AP and Payroll processing with IT.

Assist Accounts Payable and Payroll staff with annual PeopleSoft updates and implementations.

Coordinate year end testing with IT and key departments to ensure accurate updates are implemented into the ERP system.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification

Advanced Microsoft Office applications skills.

Proof of eligibility to work in US is required.

Must be bondable (able to be covered by the County's liability/risk insurance).

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

Knowledge of Washington State BARS accounting manual.

Two years of accounting experience.

Knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting rules and Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) rules prescribed by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

Required Skills and Abilities

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously interact with the public and others requiring services, and handle/diffuse tense situations under pressure. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with Auditor's Office staff and other County departments, as well as other local and state agencies.

Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data, prepare complex financial accounting reports and statements, as well as develop and evaluate accounting methods and processes.

Work well independently, as well as in a cooperative team environment. Complete or ensure that tasks and department responsibilities are met within prescribed deadlines per procedures or statutes. Be creative and resourceful in problem-solving.

Work well in a multi-task work environment; maintain focus while attending to different tasks simultaneously.

Skilled at effectively communicating and explaining processes and legal aspects to the public and employees. Excellent communication skills, oral and written, in a professional matter. Possess public speaking skills.

Possess a good understanding of the statutes and ordinances applicable to the functions of the department and ability to enforce them.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.