The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately and timely processing payroll for multiple business clients of the accounting and bookkeeping firm. This position manages the full payroll cycle, including payroll preparation, direct deposits, payroll tax deposits, quarterly and annual payroll filings, employee record maintenance, garnishments and child support payments, and payroll-related client communications.
The Payroll Specialist will also provide bookkeeping support to the firm and its clients as needed. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple client payrolls and deadlines simultaneously.
➡️Position Details
Position: Part-Time Payroll Specialist
Regular Schedule: Approximately 25 hours per week
Hourly Wage: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Work Location: On-Site – In Office
This is an on-site position. The Payroll Specialist is required to work in the firm's office. Remote work and work-from-home arrangements are not offered for this position.
The position is generally expected to be approximately 25 hours per week. During quarterly reporting periods and year-end, additional hours may be available or required based on the firm's workload and client deadlines.
➡️Compensation & Benefits
Hourly Wage: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour.
Holiday Pay: Eligible for holiday pay after completing 90 days of employment, in accordance with company policy.
Medical Insurance Stipend: The employee may receive a monthly medical insurance stipend of up to $150.00 per month. The stipend is intended to assist with the employee's individual medical insurance costs and is not intended to supplement or reimburse the cost of a spouse's health insurance plan offered through the spouse's employer.
Retention Bonus: Employee may be eligible for a retention bonus upon successful completion of 12 months of employment. Eligibility and amount of any retention bonus will be determined by the firm.
Additional Hours: Opportunity for additional hours during quarterly reporting periods, year-end, and other periods of increased client workload.
➡️Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Processing
Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and/or monthly payrolls for multiple clients.
Review and verify payroll information provided by clients, including hours worked, wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, reimbursements, and other payroll adjustments.
Enter and maintain employee payroll information, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, deductions, direct deposit information, and tax withholding information.
Calculate regular and overtime wages, as applicable.
Process employee deductions, including retirement plan contributions, health insurance, garnishments, child support, and other authorized deductions.
Process employer contributions and other payroll-related benefits.
Review payroll reports for accuracy prior to finalizing payroll.
Coordinate direct deposits and provide payroll reports and pay stubs to clients and/or employees as applicable.
Maintain accurate payroll records for each client.
Garnishments & Child Support
Set up and maintain employee wage garnishments, child support orders, and other legally required payroll deductions.
Review garnishment and child support orders for accuracy and ensure deductions are properly established in the payroll system.
Calculate and process required garnishment and child support deductions in accordance with applicable orders and payroll requirements.
Ensure garnishment and child support payments are remitted timely to the appropriate state agency, court, or designated payment recipient.
Maintain accurate records of garnishment and child support deductions and remittances.
Monitor changes, updates, releases, and termination notices related to garnishments and child support orders.
Communicate with clients and appropriate agencies regarding payroll deduction requirements and payment discrepancies when necessary.
Maintain strict confidentiality when handling employee wage withholding and child support information.
Escalate questions or issues involving legal orders, conflicting instructions, or unusual withholding requirements to management for review.
➡️Payroll Tax Deposits & Compliance
Schedule and process federal and state payroll tax deposits in accordance with applicable deposit schedules.
Federal Form 941 – Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return
Federal Form 943 – Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees
Federal Form 940 – Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
Forms W-2 and W-3
Washington State Employment Security Department filings
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
WA Cares Fund reporting
Washington Department of Labor & Industries reporting
Other applicable federal, state, and local payroll filings.
Monitor payroll tax liabilities to ensure taxes are funded and paid timely.
Research payroll tax notices and assist with resolving discrepancies or agency correspondence.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and Washington State payroll laws, tax rates, filing requirements, and regulatory changes.
➡️Client Service
Communicate professionally with clients regarding payroll processing, payroll deadlines, employee changes, tax deposits, garnishments, child support deductions, and payroll questions.
Obtain required payroll information from clients prior to each payroll deadline.
Notify clients promptly of missing or incomplete payroll information.
Assist clients with payroll-related questions and provide guidance within the scope of the firm's services.
Maintain a professional and positive relationship with all clients.
Communicate payroll issues, discrepancies, or potential compliance concerns to management promptly.
➡️Bookkeeping Support
The Payroll Specialist will provide bookkeeping assistance to the firm and its clients as workload and business needs require. Duties may include:
Assist with routine bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
Enter and categorize transactions in accounting software.
Assist with bank and credit card reconciliations.
Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks.
Assist with posting payroll journal entries and reconciling payroll-related accounts.
Assist with month-end bookkeeping procedures.
Assist with preparing client financial reports and supporting documentation.
Organize and maintain client accounting records and documentation.
Provide additional bookkeeping support during periods when payroll workload is lighter.
Assist other accounting staff with projects and client work as assigned.
Accounting & Payroll Reporting
Prepare and provide payroll reports to clients following each payroll.
Provide information necessary for clients to record payroll transactions in their accounting software.
Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and payroll-related accounts as assigned.
Reconcile garnishment and child support liabilities to ensure amounts withheld are properly remitted and recorded.
Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll reconciliations.
Review payroll records for accuracy and identify discrepancies.
Assist with year-end payroll preparation and W-2 processing.
Employee & Client Record Maintenance
Maintain organized and accurate electronic and paper payroll records.
Protect confidential employee and client information.
Maintain employee payroll files and required documentation, including garnishment and child support orders.
Ensure payroll records are retained in accordance with firm policies and applicable requirements.
➡️Administrative Responsibilities
Maintain a calendar of payroll, tax deposit, quarterly filing, annual filing, garnishment, and child support remittance deadlines.
Track payroll information and deadlines for multiple clients simultaneously.
Maintain organized client workpapers and payroll documentation.
Assist with developing and maintaining payroll processing procedures and checklists.
Assist with other accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and administrative duties as assigned.
➡️Qualifications
Previous payroll processing experience required.
Previous experience working in an accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or tax office required.
Experience processing garnishments and child support deductions preferred.
Bookkeeping or general accounting experience preferred.
Knowledge of federal and Washington State payroll requirements preferred.
Experience with QuickBooks Desktop and/or QuickBooks Online preferred.
Experience with payroll software and electronic payroll tax filing systems preferred.
Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple clients and competing deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client and employee information.
➡️Technology Skills
The Payroll Specialist should be comfortable working with:
QuickBooks Desktop and/or QuickBooks Online
Payroll processing software
Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
Electronic payroll tax filing and payment systems
Online banking and payment platforms
Document management and electronic filing systems
Experience with additional accounting and payroll software is a plus.
➡️Confidentiality
This position has access to highly confidential information, including employee Social Security numbers, wages, bank account information, tax information, child support orders, garnishment information, and client financial records. The Payroll Specialist is expected to maintain strict confidentiality and follow all firm policies regarding the protection and handling of confidential information.
➡️Work Environment
This position is required to be performed on-site in the firm's accounting and bookkeeping office. No remote or work-from-home option is offered for this position.
The position involves regular computer use, telephone and email communication, and interaction with clients and other members of the accounting team. The Payroll Specialist must be able to work effectively in a deadline-driven office environment, particularly during payroll processing periods, quarterly reporting, and year-end.
➡️Performance Expectations
The successful Payroll Specialist will:
Process payroll accurately and on time.
Meet all payroll tax, garnishment, and child support payment deadlines.
Maintain accurate and organized client records.
Properly establish, process, reconcile, and remit garnishments and child support payments.
Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and appropriate agencies.
Identify and address payroll discrepancies promptly.
Provide reliable bookkeeping support when needed.
Protect confidential client and employee information.
Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and attention to detail.
Maintain a professional demeanor when handling sensitive payroll and financial matters.
Stay informed of changes affecting payroll processing and compliance.
➡️Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as business needs change.
✅✅How to Apply✅✅
Interested applicants must submit all of the following application materials for consideration:
>>A formal cover letter outlining your relevant payroll/accounting experience, qualifications, and professional goals.
>>A current formal resume.
>>Professional references.
**Applicants who do not provide all required application materials will not be considered for this position.**
Please email your complete application materials using the email address provided with this job opening advertisement.
Applicants who prefer to submit their application by mail may send materials to: