Payroll Analyst​/Administrator

Job Description

Join Avista's Human Resources team as a Payroll Analyst! Where you will play a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with all laws and regulations. This role supports the complete payroll cycle for multi‑state hourly and salaried employees, retirees, and special compensation programs. The Payroll Analyst is a trusted resource to employees, collaborates with internal departments, and helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll, timekeeping, and employee data systems.

Proficiency with UKG, timekeeping tools, and reporting systems like Cognos allows you to strengthen payroll workflows, reduce errors, and support continuous process improvements. If you’re motivated by optimizing pay processes, maintaining compliance, and improving system performance, this role enables you to support efficient, high‑quality payroll operations throughout our organization.

Closes:
March 16, 2026

• Support/Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing for multi‑state bi‑weekly, monthly, retiree, and special payrolls ensuring every cycle is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.
• Resolve pay issues by researching payroll changes, troubleshooting discrepancies, and validating all inputs before payroll is finalized.
• Support critical compliance work by processing garnishments, levies, and payroll tax filings, and ensuring year‑end forms (W‑2s and 1099s) are completed on schedule.
• Champion our timekeeping systems by managing UTA, partnering with timekeepers and managers, and collaborating with HRIS and support teams to keep workflows running smoothly.
• Maintain reliable, compliant payroll records and digital employee files while preparing reports, audits, and reconciliations with accuracy and care.
• Collaborate with Finance and Treasury on payroll journals, reconciliations, and banking tasks to ensure seamless financial operations.
• Deliver exceptional support to employees by providing clear, timely assistance with pay, timekeeping, and policy questions.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, strengthening controls, and enhancing the payroll experience for the entire organization.

• Associate’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1+ years of relevant experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, or a related administrative or financial role.
• Experience in payroll processing or payroll support functions.
• Excellent MS Office skills (Word and Excel).
• Skilled in using computers and related software applications.
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to plan and organize job responsibilities and priorities, with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, multi‑priority environment.

Hiring Range: $59,861 to $76,921

• 3+ years of payroll and/or accounting experience.
• Experience with payroll software required.
• Experience in corporate payroll preferred.
• Payroll certification preferred.
• Excellent MS Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Skilled in using computers and related software applications, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to streamline and improve work processes.
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated problem‑solving ability and strong attention to detail.
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple work assignments while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multi‑priority, and changing team environment.

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754