Under the general supervisor of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Supervisor, the Payroll Specialist II is responsible for preparing and maintaining payroll records for all NWIC employees. This role interprets and applies institutional, state, and federal regulations in processing payroll. The Payroll Specialist works closely with HR and department staff to resolve issues, manages key functions within NWICs Paycom payroll system, ensures benefit deductions and reporting are accurate, and helps…
ensure compliance with policy and law.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Compile and compute payroll data from a variety of source documents, such as time cards, personnel action forms, contracts, insurance forms, withholding forms, etc.
- Process all Travel Advances and Closings for NWIC, making sure policies and procedures are followed.
- Maintain and update payroll records within Paycom, including benefit deductions, retirement plans, and tax withholdings. Northwest Indian College hiring practices include adherence to the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 473). NWIC supports and provides equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information.
- Run payroll cycles and verify paycheck accuracy for hourly, salaried, adjunct, stipend, and grant-funded employees.
- Reconcile payroll benefit deductions with provider invoices, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement contributions. Ensure compliance with institutional, state and federal requirements in payroll procedures, computations and deductions.
- Review payroll procedures and make recommendations to improve service and accuracy.
- Coordinate with retirement and insurance officer (the Chief Financial Officer) on deduction procedures; ensure timely payment of various deductions to vendors, insurance providers, and government entities.
- Reconcile insurance billings, retirement reports, W-2 end-of-year reports, and other reports as required.
- Audit entries for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies or late submissions.
- Responsible for providing a strong focus on maintaining a high level of customer service to everyone in contact with Payroll Office is expected in this position.
- Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll requirements
Supervisor Responsibilities
There are no supervisory responsibilities assigned to this position
Qualifications
To perform the position successfully:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Three years of direct experience in payroll, HR benefits coordination or accounts payable with responsibilities related to payroll deductions, employee records, or compliance
OR
An equivalent combination of relevant experience will be considered. Formal education is not required—practical experience and accuracy in financial or personnel systems are valued.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a college setting or collaborative team environment
- Experience with and sensitivity to Native American people and cultural customs
- Experience using Paycom or a similar payroll/HRIS platform
- Familiarity with benefit deductions (insurance, retirement, FMLA, etc.)
- Experience with leave tracking, timecard auditing, or employee record compliance
- Ability to explain payroll processes and address employee questions with clarity and care
- Experience assisting with or preparing W-2s, 941s, or other payroll-related reports
- Strong attention to detail and confidentiality in handling sensitive data
- Experience in multi-state tax and compliance
Application Process
Interested individuals should submit the following application materials directly to the NWIC Human Resources Office only.
- Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications
- NWIC Application
- NWIC Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) form
- Current and complete professional resume
- Copies of college transcripts (can submit unofficial copies at time of application)
- Three letters of recommendation from persons, who are not members of your immediate family, who have firsthand knowledge of your qualifications for the position
- If applicable to the position, provide copies of certificates/licenses/credentials
The job announcement and application forms are available online at www.nwic.edu/about-nwic/employment or may be requested from and submitted directly to:
Human Resources
Northwest Indian College
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226-9278
Telephone/Fax: 360.392.4230
Email: employment@nwic.edu