Payroll & HRIS Specialist
Energy Northwest· Utilities· Oct 21, 2026 · 7d ago
Richland, WA
In office
Full-time
$126K–$158K
Job description
Posting closes at 11:59 PM the day before the listed end date.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite in Richland, WA.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Responsible for the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) for the Payroll department. This person utilizes analytical, technical and specialized expertise in support of overall objectives. Provides specific expertise to time and labor, employment law (unions), system troubleshooting, audit and reporting.
Under limited supervision works with the HRIS for the Payroll department including all aspects of production and testing to facilitate a ‘fit for purpose’ system for the company that meets business needs. Assists with facilitating interfaces between software, hardware, and people, using them to maximize business effectiveness within Payroll. Supports the company’s Human Resources/Payroll Programs to meet strategic objectives and business needs. Serve as SME for Workday HRIS/time and labor as well as interfaces for financial reporting.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Payroll HRIS Support:
Provide effective HRIS/Payroll oversight for various HR/Payroll disciplines such as time and labor, payroll processing, tax updates, compensation, benefits, etc. Works closely with the Compensation, Benefits and HR HRIS teammates to assure the payout of incentive plans, merit processing, general wage increases (GWI), stipends, etc. are accurate and timely.
Works closely with HR, Payroll, and Information Technology (IT) to troubleshoot production issues. Analyzes data to solve issues that arise during both normal business and special projects.
Responsible for maintaining and designing interfaces between software, hardware, and end users:
Consults as to best use of business systems and recommend enhancements.
With planning and executing interface between software capabilities and operational demands.
Necessary reviews and updates for integrations.
Necessary modifications to systems and procedures.
Ensuring integrity and maintenance of data.
Responsible for the design, build, and test of tasks/activities associated with enhancements and upgrades to business process configurations.
Software implementation, software updates, data analysis and other projects assigned.
Identification of the need for, and the execution of training for end users on HRIS and other associated systems.
Running, updating and creating ad hoc reports.
The introduction and design of new modules and enhancements.
Troubleshooting application software problems including logic and/or coding errors.
Assist with legacy system(s) and records retrieval for data to support various audits and records requests. May require training on PS Query, Workday, Prism, and other report writing tools. Provide information for approved data requests from Legal, HR, Corporate Finance and other applicable departments (e.g., public records requests, employment verifications, repayment recalculations, etc.).
Responsible for payroll year-end activities.
Provides top level technical expertise in troubleshooting application software problems including logic and/or coding errors which cause application software failures and performance issues.
Responsible for designing the system to accurately calculate and process the payout of incentive plans, merit processing, general wage increases (GWI), stipends, regulatory reporting, financial reporting, etc.
Other Responsibilities:
Assist with ongoing Workday system testing and basic report writing. Demonstrate ability to sort data, provide clear reports and basic analyses to leadership.
Perform analysis, reports, and training for other employees as needed.
Identify and facilitate/lead reviews of cross organizational issues/enhancements and identify alternative solutions/recommendations.
Complete research for projects & inquiries with alternatives and/or recommendations and submit to leadership for their review.
Must participate on the Emergency Response team (ERO) when designated.
Must support the biennial refueling outage.
Assist with other appropriate duties as assigned.
Team Support & Cross training:
Review and update desk procedures as needed.
Train others on various HRIS/Payroll disciplines. Maintain healthy working relationships with teammates including those that are represented by bargaining units and understand collective bargaining agreement provisions.
May assist with the Workday travel and expense reimbursement module as needed.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Senior Payroll & HRIS Specialist
Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems or a related field and eight years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
OR an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
OR a high school diploma or GED and twelve years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
An advanced degree in a related field of study or business may be accepted in lieu of two years of experience.
Payroll & HRIS Specialist II
Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems or a related field and five years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
OR an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and seven years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
OR a high school diploma or GED and nine years of combined experience in Payroll, Human Resources, or Finance with exposure to related work.
An advanced degree in a related field of study or business may be accepted in lieu of two years of experience.
PAY RANGE Senior Payroll & HRIS Specialist Salary: $126,362 - $157,952
Payroll & HRIS Specialist II Salary: $109,870 - $137,338
The salary listed represents the starting pay range for this position. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the salary range and actual individual placement within the range is determined based on the candidate s experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the role. The level and final offer will also take into account the candidate s overall qualifications.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
This position is eligible for an annual at-risk compensation (ARC) incentive plan. Incentives are earned based on agency performance against defined metrics and goals which follow eligibility rules within the ARC plan document.
BENEFITS
Energy Northwest (EN) provides a phenomenal benefits package. Washington State also has no state income tax, and the Tri-Cities provides a cost-of-living lower than the national average.
EN offers substantial retirement benefits through three retirement programs including the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System pension plan (PERS), a 401(k) savings plan with an employer match component, and a 457(b) savings plan. EN also offers multiple options for medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance coverage. Other voluntary benefits may include flexible spending accounts (FSAs), tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, childcare subsides, health reimbursement arrangement (HRA VEBA), health savings account (HSA), supplemental life insurances, credit monitoring/identity theft insurance, and more! Qualifying employees will typically start a personal time accrual rate of 160 hours per year and EN provides nine paid holidays throughout the Calander year; personal time accruals grow significantly at various service intervals.
Energy Northwest does not provide employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Know Your Rights (PDF)
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)