Compensation

Payroll Office Accountant

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

17181 (E S SEIU 925 Non Supv)
17179 (NE S SEIU 925 Non Supv)
22907 (NE H NI SEIU 925 Non Supv)

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

The Payroll Office provides centralized university-wide support for Payroll inquiries and transactions at the University of Washington. Positions in this class series provide specialized payroll inquiry and transactional services.

Use of this job classification is limited to the Payroll Office; it is not available for departmental use.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Payroll Office Accountant will perform as a member of a team dedicated to executing payroll transactional and accounting reconciliation functions within the Payroll Office. More specific responsibilities will include ensuring the completion of assigned payroll transactions in accordance with established standards, supporting the successful execution of payroll processes, and acting as the main point of contact for the resolution of complex issues/inquiries related to pay and time tracking. This work will entail close coordination with a combination of Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), HR Benefits, and other payroll staff within the University to address escalated inquiries. As a member of a team focused on continuous improvement, this role will also be expected to identify process issues, escalate opportunities for improvement and advance recommended solutions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, the incumbent will function as the main point of contact within the Payroll Office for the resolution of complex issues/inquiries related to pay and time tracking. Additionally, responsibilities will include supporting the delivery of quality payroll processes. The Payroll Office is responsible for executing designated payroll transactional processes, including payroll inputs, retroactive payments, overpayment recovery, withholding orders, tax treaties, time tracking and report reconciliation and addressing escalated customer inquiries.

TYPICAL WORK

Act as the main point of contact within the Payroll Office for timely resolution of complex issues/inquiries.

Coordinate with appropriate outside unit teams to address and escalate inquiries as necessary.

Act as the main point of contact within the Payroll Office for administration of specific external/unit payroll functions as required.

Contribute to an outstanding customer-service environment, including strong collaboration with other team members and subject matter experts external to the Payroll Office as required.

Utilize case management software, such as UW Connect, to facilitate management of inquiries/issues in accordance with established protocols.

Provide extensive insight and direction related to Payroll transactional processes, including:

  • Payroll Inputs (including voluntary deductions)
  • Time Entry/Corrections
  • Overpayment Recovery (including reporting and coordination with outside collection agencies as required)
  • Retroactive Payments
  • Payment Adjustments
  • Final Payments
  • Withholding Orders (i.e., involuntary wage assignments – IRS Levies, Child Support, Education Loans, etc.)
  • Tax Filings
  • Glacier Tax Treaty Processes
  • Ensuring completion of assigned payroll transactions in accordance with established standards

Identify process improvement opportunities to deliver enhanced customer services to the organization.

Support periodic Workday update processes, including payroll testing activities.

Support payroll knowledge management processes, including identification and verification of additions/changes to the working repository of knowledge content.

Support payroll training activities, including development and verification of relevant content; and

Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, or closely related field that includes thirty quarter hours or twenty semester hours of college-level accounting courses

AND

Three years of experience working in a payroll related role, including working knowledge of key payroll transactional processes, accounting standards and taxation requirements. Two years of working experience processing transactions in the payroll domain.

OR

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

04/01/2017: New Class Title, ISC Payroll Accountant; class adopted for UW contract classified staff per negotiation with SEIU Local 925.
06/27/2017: Four-digit job code updated to 5-digit job code at Workday go-live, 17181 replaces 7181, and 5-digit job code added for hourly job profile 21199 (NE H SEIU 925 Non Supv).
11/09/2023: Delete 21199 (NE H SEIU 925 Non Supv) and create 22907 (NE H NI SEIU 925 Non Supv)
05/01/2024: Revise Class Title from ISC Payroll Accountant to Payroll Office Accountant as of date ISC disbanded