Payroll Specialist
Payroll Specialist II or III – Port of Portland
The Port of Portland is hiring for a Payroll Specialist II or Payroll Specialist III. As a Payroll Specialist at the Port, you play a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. This role requires attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and a strong customer‑service mindset.
Salary Range: Payroll Specialist III: $59,000 – $79,000; Payroll Specialist II: $54,000 – $68,667. Position may be filled at either level based on experience and demonstrated payroll expertise.
Essential Job Duties
Payroll Specialist III
- Accurately process weekly and bi‑weekly payroll, including taxes, PERS contributions, garnishments, union dues, deferred compensation, HSA/FSA deductions, and other payroll liabilities.
- Calculate and process retroactive pay, incentive payments, final checks, and other special payroll transactions.
- Balance and reconcile payroll tax information and ensure compliance with payroll regulations and reporting requirements.
- Configure and maintain payroll‑related plans, accruals, pay types, and tax settings within payroll and time‑keeping systems.
- Troubleshoot payroll and time‑keeping issues, identify root causes, and recommend effective solutions.
- Partner with HRIS, IT, Finance, and HR teams to resolve payroll system and processing issues.
- Document payroll procedures and identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows and operational efficiency.
- Balance and reconcile tax information each pay period and support quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting activities.
- Administer year‑end payroll processes, including W‑2 preparation, taxable benefit reporting, deferred compensation limits, and relocation expense reporting.
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and PERS regulations and reporting requirements.
- Perform ongoing PERS coordination and maintain knowledge of PERS EDX processes and requirements.
- Collaborate with HR and Finance on payroll impacts related to benefits, compensation, and organizational initiatives.
- Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, taxes, and time‑keeping.
- Provide guidance and training on payroll‑related processes and procedures.
- Deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform calculations related to union contract wage changes and verify accuracy prior to implementation.
- Monitor contractual bank balances and process required adjustments.
- Identify and apply pay rate overrides as needed for temporary assignments and special circumstances.
Payroll Specialist II
Roles align closely with the Payroll Specialist III responsibilities, with a focus on collaboration, coaching, and skill development. Under the guidance of senior payroll staff, you will assist with payroll processing and reconciliations, prepare payroll adjustments, support payroll tax and year‑end activities, maintain payroll and time‑keeping records, research routine payroll issues, and help ensure employees receive accurate and timely pay.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the education requirement.
- Payroll Specialist III: 5+ years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including experience processing complex payroll transactions, supporting payroll tax compliance, and resolving payroll or time‑keeping issues.
- Payroll Specialist II: 2–4 years of full‑cycle payroll experience or directly related experience in payroll, finance, accounting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or similar professional certification.
- Experience with PERS/OPSRP reporting, unionized environments, payroll tax reporting, or public sector payroll operations.
Schedule
Flexible hybrid schedule that supports work‑life balance while encouraging in‑person collaboration. Team members are generally expected to be in the office up to three days per week, with specific days subject to change based on operational and payroll scheduling needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws.
Veterans Preference
Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran’s preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Background Checks and Drug Testing
The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety‑sensitive positions.
ADA Accommodation
Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources.