Payroll Specialist-District Office

Overview

This posting is for the Payroll Specialist position for the Chehalis School District for the 2026/27 school year. This is a Classified, Exempt, Non-Represented position. It is 8 hours per day, 260 days per year, which includes holidays and vacation days. The position is open until filled.

Application packet
: A completed application packet should include the following:
Resume, Letter of Interest including how the candidate meets the qualifications, Three (3) Reference Letters, Copies of academic transcripts.

The Payroll Specialist provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of district payroll and benefit functions. Position is responsible for accurate, timely, and legally compliant payroll processing for over 500 certificated, classified, and administrative employees, including substitutes and coaches. This position ensures compliance with Washington State laws, collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal and state regulations, while supporting district goals through effective systems, controls, and customer service.

• Perform and direct all payroll operations for the district, including monthly payroll
• Ensure compliance with Washington State requirements, including but not limited to:
• Department of Retirement Systems (PERS, TRS, SERS)
• WA Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
• Labor & Industries (L&I)
• IRS, FLSA and applicable state and federal laws
• New Hire reporting
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and district policies and procedures related to compensation and leave
• Under direction of the Chief Financial Officer, prepare annual payroll budget within district’s financial system
• Responsible for:
• SEBB Processing
• W-2s, payroll taxes and quarterly 941s
• Quarterly PFML and Unemployment reporting and payments
• VEBA administrative reporting and processing
• Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) s & Deferred Compensation Program
• Leave cashout payments
• CRDC reporting
• Substitute reporting
• Employee leave accounting
• Supervise, train, and evaluate payroll staff
• Promote professional growth and high-quality customer service
• Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations, and reporting
• Collaborate closely with Finance and HR departments
• Lead payroll audits and respond to internal and external audit requests
• Recommend policy and procedures as applicable to position
• Maintain/archive payroll records as required
• Manage payroll system configuration, testing, upgrades, and process improvements
• Develop and maintain internal controls, procedures, and documentation related to payroll, benefits and related taxes and laws
• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries, contract negotiations and issue resolution
• Disseminate payroll and benefit information to employees as appropriate
• Other payroll related duties as assigned or needed

• High School diploma/transcript or recognized equivalent (GED)
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including supervisory or management experience
• Experience with public-sector or school district payroll operations
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State payroll laws and retirement systems (PERS, TRS, SERS)
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet ongoing, frequent deadlines
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret contracts, regulations, and complex payroll data
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field
• Experience working in a Washington State public school district
• Experience with complex payroll environments and multiple bargaining units
• Knowledge of school district accounting and budget practices
• Proficient in Google Workspace
• Experience with Skyward or Qmlativ

• Primarily office-based with standard business hours; extended hours will be required during peak payroll cycles
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer

Chief Financial Officer

The District complies with State Law regarding SEBB (School Employee Benefits Board) and DRS (Washington State Department of Retirement Systems) eligibility and benefits. If eligible, SEBB benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, AD&D Insurance, Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). Retirement benefits, if eligible, may include membership in SERS retirement plans in addition to voluntary Deferred Compensation Program and 403(b) Annuity enrollments.

Chehalis School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, ethnicity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or…