Payroll Specialist - Pierce Transit, WA : Job Details

Salary: $33.51 - $37.83 Hourly Location : Lakewood, WA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2985-25 Department: Administration Division: Human Resources Opening Date: 08/01/2025 Closing Date: 8/10/2025 4:00 PM Pacific Description Pierce Transit is an independent municipal organization dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected. We are currently recruiting for a payroll specialist to join our human resources department. This position supports the agency's mission by providing timely and accurate validation, auditing, and processing of the Agency's payroll. We are looking for candidates who possess excellent skills in payroll software systems, accuracy and critical thinking in the interpretation and application of payroll rules and procedures. BENEFITS:At Pierce Transit, our employees' health is important to us too! That's why we offer four on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages. If your career goals change while you're employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit. Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, and , as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation. PAID LEAVE: Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year. Part-time employees, receive pro-rated leave, to include sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and holiday pay. Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare. Essential Functions The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Prepares bi-weekly payroll, assists with filing of required federal and state payroll reports and taxes
• Prepares and distributes W-2 forms, and other payroll related materials
• Monitors, records, and reconciles Agency payroll transactions and accounts
• Prepares and analyzes payroll-related transactions and processes entries and corrections and develops, prepares and maintains computerized spreadsheets
• Monitors and audits computerized payroll system to ensure data integrity and reliability
• Confers with other HR personnel to resolve problems and develop solutions
• Assists with system improvements, conversions and upgrades
• Assists employees with payroll inquiries and recommends solutions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance

Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and one year of vocational or college-level accounting training
• Must have a minimum of two years payroll experience using computerized accounting systems
• Additional related experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis

Desired:

• Public sector payroll experience
• Transit agency payroll experience

Knowledge of:

• Payroll process and procedures
• Basic accounting principles and procedures

Skill in:

• Interpreting and using Agency policies and procedures
• Analyzing and interpreting union, state and federal laws and requirements
• Preparing, analyzing, and reconciling general ledger accounts and financial reports
• Developing and maintaining computerized spreadsheets; coordinating information and working with staff and employees
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing

Special Requirements:

• Must have the ability to maneuver objects weighing up to thirty pounds
• Work non-traditional schedule to meet agency payroll needs
• Will be required to pass a background check prior to hire

Representation:

• This job is represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local #758

Supplemental Information Education Requirements Any required education must come from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U S Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent. Application Instructions To be considered for this vacancy you must apply online:

The online application must include a chronological work and/or education history covering ten years. (A resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section of the application)

At least 3 professional references to include a recent or current supervisor with names, email addresses and current phone numbers.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the work experience and education sections of your application at
• A resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Human Resources @ 253-###-#### or If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or email Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay and all other forms of compensation, including benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. 01 Please select how you meet the required educational qualifications for this position:

• I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position
• I have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and one year of vocational or college-level accounting training
• I have an associate degree in accounting or a related field and one year of vocational or college-level accounting training.
• I have a bachelor's degree (or higher) in accounting (or related field) and minimum of six (6) months of experience in payroll/accounting.

02 Please select how you meet the required payroll experience qualifications for this job:

• I do not have payroll experience
• I have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in payroll and/or timekeeping using computerized accounting systems
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of experience in payroll and/or timekeeping using computerized accounting systems
• I have over five (5) years of experience in payroll and/or timekeeping using computerized accounting systems

03 Please select the answer that best describes your experience using Microsoft Excel:

• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks.
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet.
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios.
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation
• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below.

04 Do you have experience processing payroll or timekeeping in a public agency?

• Yes
• No

05 How many years of experience do you have analyzing and interpreting payroll or timekeeping reports in order to adjust entries and correct discrepancies?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 or more years

06 Do you have experience processing payroll or timekeeping in a large organization and/or union environment? (Note: If answering Yes to this question the experience must be reflected in your application)

• Yes
• No

07 This position requires the ability to work a non-traditional schedule to meet agency payroll deadlines. (working hours outside of 8am to 5pm and work every other Sunday to complete payroll tasks for the agency). Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

Required Question