Sr. Payroll & Compensation Specialist

Overview

Mutual of Enumclaw was founded in 1898 by local farmers who wanted to look out for each other. That spirit continues to define our company culture. We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our employees are proud of our thoughtful approach to insurance, and it shows. In January 2025, we were recognized as Washington's Best Company to Work For (our thirteenth year in a row as one of the top 100) by Seattle Business magazine, based on a survey of our employees.

Mutual of Enumclaw works exclusively with local independent agents to offer insurance products for individuals, families, farms, and businesses. We currently operate in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming.

The Sr. People Operations Partner plays a key role in supporting our people and processes. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role leads full-cycle, bi-weekly payroll across multiple states for both exempt and non-exempt employees, drives compensation strategy and implementation, and serves as backup for benefits and retirement plan administration. This position combines hands-on payroll expertise with strategic influence in compensation programs, while ensuring seamless support for benefits and retirement operations.

Location: The successful candidate will work in a hybrid capacity between our Home Office in Enumclaw, WA, and remotely. Candidate must live within driving distance of our Home Office and have high-speed internet (internet speed test required).

Hiring Range: $79,134 - $98,454

Salary Range: $79,134 - $108,125

*The hiring range represents Mutual of Enumclaw’s current hiring pay scale for this role. Mutual of Enumclaw reserves the right to modify or update this range any time. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. Compensation is only one part of our entire total rewards package. To see some of the benefits and perks we offer, please click here.

Responsibilities

Payroll Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring timely, accurate processing of salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and deductions across multiple states.
• Maintain and update payroll systems, records, and employee data (new hires, terminations, pay changes, benefits).
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour regulations.
• Prepare, reconcile, and maintain payroll reports, general ledger entries, and monthly bank statements.
• Serve as a primary resource for payroll and benefits inquiries, providing guidance to employees and management.
• Support audits by supplying accurate records and documentation.
• Partner with HR leadership to review, improve, and implement payroll systems, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate on benefits and leave administration, ensuring adherence to legal and contractual requirements.
• Contribute to HR reporting and analytics by providing accurate payroll and benefits data.

Compensation Responsibilities

• Support the development and administration of the company’s compensation policies and programs.
• Conduct job analysis to evaluate responsibilities and requirements for equitable pay practices.
• Research and benchmark compensation practices using salary surveys and market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Contribute company data to salary surveys and analyze results to identify trends and gaps.
• Provide recommendations for pay structures, incentive plans, and program enhancements based on market analysis.
• Assist in creating and maintaining salary structures and compensation guidelines.
• Monitor compensation programs for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Stay informed on emerging compensation trends and provide insights to help shape future strategy.

Benefits (Support & Backup Responsibilities)

• Provide backup support for the administration of employee insurance programs (health, life, disability) and retirement plans, including the 401(k).
• Assist with ensuring accurate and timely delivery of employer contributions and employee payroll deductions to carriers and plan administrators.
• Support benefits-related communications, including employee questions on eligibility, coverage, and plan changes.
• Assist with maintaining benefits records, reporting, and compliance documentation as required by federal, state, and provider regulations.
• Provide backup support for leave administration (FMLA, ADA, and other company leave programs), partnering with the HR team on accommodations and compliance.
• Assist with audits, vendor communications, and benefits invoicing as needed.
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in benefits and compensation to support HR strategy.
• Contribute to HR reporting by providing accurate data related to benefits and leave programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Extensive knowledge of payroll functions, including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Extensive knowledge of benefits administration.
• Knowledge of Compensation programs.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Analytical ability to resolve employee payroll problems by reviewing records and reports, identifying errors, and correcting errors.
• Continuously seeking opportunities to improve the automation of the payroll and reporting processes.
• High attention to detail and ability to guard highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong partnership and collaborative style with outstanding communication skills: written, verbal, and presentation.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, challenging environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Handle highly sensitive and confidential information professionally and discreetly.
• Abide by the policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct of the company.
• Proficient with payroll software.

Education and Experience:

• 10+ years in payroll, benefits and compensation administration experience or related business experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a combination of education and relevant business experience required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Applicable HR Certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.