Payroll Manager
seattleartmuseum
| Company | seattleartmuseum |
| Category | Finance |
| Location | Seattle |
| Remote | Hybrid |
| Employment | Full-time |
| Level | Manager |
| Salary | USD 78k–92k |
| Posted | 3 Aug 2026 |
| Last verified | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (lever) |
Description
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Payroll Manager and Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll, compensation, benefits-related reporting, and payroll accounting processes. This role oversees biweekly payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, payroll-related tax reporting, and retirement plan reporting, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
The Payroll Manager partners closely with People & Culture, Finance, managers, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and strong internal controls within our HRIS/Payroll system, Paylocity. This position also supports audits, reporting, and payroll-related financial analysis, and serves as a key operational resource for payroll systems, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Processing & Administration
Administer and process payroll accurately for 350 plus employees, in accordance with internal policies and regulatory requirements, and on schedule for all employees
Manage and own the payroll process, being the knowledge expert on all employee and payroll policies and procedures
Knowledge expert of Paylocity and other payroll systems
Review and validate payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, accruals, and direct deposits
Audit payroll transactions prior to processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
Support regular and off-cycle payroll processing
Ensure payroll changes are entered accurately and effective dated appropriately
Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation
Coordinate payroll processing timelines and communicate deadlines to stakeholders
Review payroll to ensure that payroll is accurate, and submitted in accordance with deadlines
Prepare reports to reconcile payroll on a biweekly basis
Calculate wages, bonus and deductions and ensure that they are taxed appropriately
Work closely with People & Culture to ensure that all employee changes are entered accurately, and the payroll system is accurate in calculating information
Knowledge expert of position and roles, reviewing Employee Forms for accuracy in employee information, department coding, grant coding, and employee status
Payroll Change Management
Review employee payroll changes for accuracy, including: Compensation changesPromotions and transfersStatus changes (FT/PT, exempt/non-exempt)One-time payments and stipendsDeduction updates Retroactive adjustments
Validate approvals and supporting documentation prior to processing changes
Partner with HR and Finance to ensure changes align with organizational policies and approved workflows
Time & Attendance Administration
Support timekeeping administration within Paylocity
Review and troubleshoot timecard discrepancies, missed punches, and payroll exceptions
Monitor timecard approvals and follow up with managers as needed
Ensure compliance with wage and hour requirements, including overtime and meal/rest break requirements
Leave & Benefits Coordination
Coordinate payroll impacts related to leaves of absence, including paid and unpaid leave
Process benefit deductions accurately and timely
Support benefits and payroll reconciliation activities
Coordinate final pay processing and PTO payouts for employ