Location: Kent WA
Position: Payroll/AP Specialist
Department: Accounting
Reports to: AR-AP Manager
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Hybrid – 4 days in office, 1 remote)
Are you a meticulous payroll and accounts payable professional looking for an opportunity that challenges and excites you? Join our dynamic Accounting team as a Payroll/AP Specialist, where you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring smooth payroll operations and vendor payment processes. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a company that values its people, fosters growth, and believes in making work fun and fulfilling!

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Payroll Expertise: Strong knowledge of payroll processing, tax compliance, and wage deductions (garnishments, 401(k), benefits).
• Accounts Payable Knowledge: Familiarity with AP procedures, invoice reconciliation, and vendor management.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with payroll systems (Paylocity preferred) and accounting software/ERP systems.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in data entry, auditing, and financial reconciliation.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to research and resolve payroll and AP-related discrepancies.
• Confidentiality & Ethics: Must maintain strict confidentiality with payroll and financial information.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to support employees and vendors.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel (v-lookups, pivot tables), Outlook, Word, and Teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum 3 years of payroll processing experience for 50+ employees.
• Recent experience with Paylocity is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling multi-state payroll processing, payroll taxes, and benefits deductions.
• Prior experience with garnishments, 401(k) administration, and compliance reporting.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage reporting is a plus.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to use a keyboard, computer mouse, and phone for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

PAYROLL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process multi-state payroll accurately using Paylocity.
• Maintain and audit timekeeping records and assist supervisors with corrections.
• Assist with external and internal payroll audits to manage compliance initiatives.
• Handle commissions, benefits deductions, garnishments, and 401(k) contributions.
• Ensure payroll tax compliance and resolve tax-related inquiries.
• Prepare payroll journal entries, and assist with year-end reporting (W-2s, tax reconciliations).
• Variance reconciliation in payroll
• Support HR with payroll system administration and troubleshooting.
• Assist in compliance reporting and 5500 filings.
• Maintain employee schedules and payroll records in Paylocity.
• Address employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and benefits.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Retrieve invoices from benefit systems and enter them into the AP system for processing.
• Process invoices, payments, and weekly check runs.
• Manage the AP inbox, respond to vendor inquiries, and reconcile statements.
• Maintain vendor compliance by collecting W-9s and Certificates of Insurance.
• Keep accurate AP records and support internal/external audits.
• Assist the department and CFO with special projects and financial reporting.