Salary: $76,206.78 Annually
Location : Lakewood Campus, Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full-time, regular
Job Number: 2627AF07
Direct Report Unit: Finance and Administration
Department: Payroll and Benefits
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AP

Position Objective

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist will be responsible for performing professional-level assignments, primarily focusing on time and labor, payroll processing for staff, faculty, and students, and account reconciliation to support the payroll and benefits functions of the College. Under general direction, this position will independently provide information and counsel to internal customers regarding tenure and tenure track faculty contracts, pay compliance with verification of collective bargaining agreements (CBA) versus contracts. Partners with Instructional positions performing faculty workload and faculty benefit impact analysis. Primary payroll backup for Payroll Manager and manages payment processes. This work will require the application of professional judgment and the duties of this position will have budgetary impact. The work also requires excellent customer service in-person, phone, and email to both internal and external customers.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

While the full annual salary range for this role is $76,206.78 to $92,863.38, successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range (Level AF9, Step A) and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This position is represented by the AFT Professional Staff, Local 6431.
Duties and Tasks (Essential Functions)

Duty: Payroll Processing and Reconciliation
Tasks include:

• Verify and process confidential payroll data while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Schedule payroll jobs in the ctclink or other designated college payroll systems.
• Oversee union enrollment and dues collection in accordance with the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.
• Work in partnership with Union Representatives to resolve requests for information.
• Compare and confirm payroll vendor payment amounts with system-generated reports; disburse checks.
• Scan and validate payroll documents using college-approved imaging technology.
• Use independent judgment to evaluate discrepancies and determine appropriate corrections.
• Calculate and process retroactive deductions or refunds.
• Compile payroll data using system-generated reports to prepare semi-monthly payroll reconciliations.
• Validate and at times initiate reporting of payroll gross and taxable wages.
• Update annual pay tables.

Duty: Special Leave
Tasks include:

• Collaborate with Benefits Specialist on compensated leave and leave programs such as Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), WA Family Care Leave, and pregnancy disability leave in accordance with federal and state laws, Clover Park Technical College policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with Benefits Specialist on ad hoc requests for payroll data.

Duty: Other Duties
Tasks include:

• Serve as back-up to payroll check printing.
• Participate in a variety of college-related meetings, training, committees, and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience from an accredited college or university, or 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of State and Federal regulations pertaining to payroll practices.
• A minimum of three years of work experience in an office environment that included: strict confidentiality, direct customer contact, heavy workflow, adhering to strict deadlines, researching rules and regulations, and regular use of computer programs, spreadsheets, and accounting systems.
• Intermediate proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Accounting, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Working knowledge of Washington State Community and Technical College Administrative systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Clover Park pay practices (including contracts, employment action forms, shared leave, audits).
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, specifically Excel applications.

Application Instructions

• Complete application
• Attach your CTC certifications and/or industry-recognized credentials
• Upload a resume and cover letter describing your skills and experience
• Complete Supplemental Questions

All offers of employment at Clover Park Technical College are contingent upon successful completion of background checks, including criminal history. Information obtained from the background checks will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the specific position.

Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents, don't hesitate to contact NeoGovTechnical Support at 1-855-524-5627, Mon-Fri 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time

Supplemental Information

At this time, Clover Park Technical College is not sponsoring H1-B Visas.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Puget Sound Salish peoples belonging to the Puyallup, Steilacoom, Nisqually, and Squax in Island tribes and bands, and we honor and thank the traditional caretakers of this land. We value the tribes in our community, and the impact that they continue to make on our college to this day. For more information about CPTC's commitment to indigenous tribes, please visit http://www.cptc.edu/diversity

01

Do you possess an Associate's Degree or higher OR 4 years of relevant professional experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have knowledge of State and Federal regulations pertaining to payroll practices?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a minimum of three years of work experience in an office environment that included: strict confidentiality, direct customer contact, heavy workflow, adhering to strict deadlines, researching rules and regulations, and regular use of computer programs, spreadsheets, and accounting systems?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Office applications?

• Yes
• No

05

I am a WA State resident or will obtain residency within 45 days of my start date.

• Yes
• No

06

Describe the climate for diversity at your present or recent employer or institution. What impact have you had on that climate?
07

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Accounting, Business Administration, or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have a working knowledge of Washington State Community and Technical College Administrative systems?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have knowledge of and experience with Clover Park pay practices (including contracts, employment action forms, shared leave, audits)?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have expert level proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, specifically Excel applications?

• Yes
• No

Required Question