Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager, WMS2
Recruitment #2026-9-3427
Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
 

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary:  $8,574.00 - $9,998.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,574.00 - $10,526.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/1/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
If you enjoy solving complex problems, leading a strong team, and ensuring payroll is processed on time and accurately for thousands of employees, this may be the role for you. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll team within the Office of Finance, Budget, and Economics. 

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leadership and oversight of DNR agency-wide payroll and benefits administration functions, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. This position supervises a six-person payroll team, managing with clear expectations, assigning and prioritizing work, supporting professional development, and maintaining effective training. 

This position oversees complex payroll transactions, including payroll processing periods, benefit payments, retirement-related activities, tax payments, overpayment recovery, and other payroll-related financial activity. Work duties include advising the Finance Manager, CFO, and agency leadership on emerging risks, required changes, and recommended courses of action.

Required Qualifications: 
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience.  Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 
 

• Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in payroll administration including cyclical processing of payroll and benefits; collection and remittance of employment taxes; administration of employee benefits; and interpretation and implementation of associated federal, state, and local laws, rules, policies and procedures.
  AND Two (2) or more years of supervisory and leadership experience to include all aspects of workforce and performance development, effectively coaching and mentoring and providing direction and correction when required;
  OR An equivalent combination of education, training, professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possesses advanced skills in developing and manipulating complex spreadsheets with multiple math functions, advanced filters, macros, and links to external sources of information.
• Skills in creating custom toolbars and chart types, pivot tables, importing data from other sources, filtering lists, and using data analysis tools.
• Skills in building a collaborative environment and establishing or maintaining consistency in business processes and technical-level decision-making.