Payroll Accountant

United States·SeattleFull-Timemid

Finance & AccountingPayroll Specialist

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Quick Summary

Overview

ABOUT THE ROLE The Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll, compensation, benefits-related reporting, and payroll accounting processes.

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Finance & AccountingPayroll Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE

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.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

What We Offer

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✓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

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

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

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

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

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

Requirements

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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

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Controller

Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location

BENEFITS

Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.

Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.

Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

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!