Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: North Lake Union, Seattle
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $85,000-$92,000

About the Opportunity

A growing life sciences company is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to own end-to-end payroll operations for a small, collaborative team. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role where you'll serve as the primary payroll expert while partnering closely with Finance and HR. You'll also play a key role in an upcoming payroll system implementation and process improvements, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building scalable processes in addition to executing payroll accurately.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process end-to-end payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees (currently monthly, transitioning to bi-weekly).
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, on-call pay, bonuses, and deductions.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and post to the accounting system.
• Reconcile payroll registers, general ledger accounts, and benefit deductions each payroll cycle.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Accounting & Financial Support

• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with account reconciliations and month-end close activities.
• Prepare payroll-related reports and financial summaries for the Finance team.

Compliance & Reporting

• Coordinate payroll tax filings and year-end reporting (including W-2s and ACA reporting) with external payroll providers.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including FLSA and wage and hour laws.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and schedules.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and payroll information.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience.
• Experience processing payroll for both salaried and hourly employees.
• Experience with payroll platforms such as UKG, ADP, or similar systems.
• Experience with timekeeping systems such as TSheets, QuickBooks Time, or comparable tools.
• Participation in at least one payroll system implementation or migration preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax requirements, FLSA classifications, and wage and hour regulations.

Technical Skills

• Experience with NetSuite or another ERP/accounting platform preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

What We're Looking For

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter who enjoys improving processes and taking ownership of their work.

Why This Role?

• Own the payroll function and make a meaningful impact.
• Help lead an upcoming payroll system implementation and process improvements.
• Join a collaborative, growing organization where your work is highly visible.
• Opportunity to shape payroll operations as the company continues to scale.