Payroll Analyst/Administrator

Closes:

March 19, 2026

Job Description

Join Avista's Human Resources team as a Payroll Analyst! Where you will play a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with all laws and regulations. This role supports the complete payroll cycle for multi‑state hourly and salaried employees, retirees, and special compensation programs. The Payroll Analyst is a trusted resource to employees, collaborates with internal departments, and helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll, timekeeping, and employee data systems.

Proficiency with UKG, timekeeping tools, and reporting systems like Cognos allows you to strengthen payroll workflows, reduce errors, and support continuous process improvements. If you’re motivated by optimizing pay processes, maintaining compliance, and improving system performance, this role enables you to support efficient, high‑quality payroll operations throughout our organization.

Responsibilities

- Support/Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing for multi‑state bi‑weekly, monthly, retiree, and special payrolls ensuring every cycle is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.

- Resolve pay issues by researching payroll changes, troubleshooting discrepancies, and validating all inputs before payroll is finalized.

- Support critical compliance work by processing garnishments, levies, and payroll tax filings, and ensuring year‑end forms (W‑2s and 1099s) are completed on schedule.

- Champion our timekeeping systems by managing UTA, partnering with timekeepers and managers, and collaborating with HRIS and support teams to keep workflows running smoothly.

- Maintain reliable, compliant payroll records and digital employee files while preparing reports, audits, and reconciliations with accuracy and care.

- Collaborate with Finance and Treasury on payroll journals, reconciliations, and banking tasks to ensure seamless financial operations.

- Deliver exceptional support to employees by providing clear, timely assistance with pay, timekeeping, and policy questions.

- Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, strengthening controls, and enhancing the payroll experience for the entire organization.

Requirements

Payroll Administrator I:

- Associate’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

- 1+ years of relevant experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, or a related administrative or financial role.

- Experience in payroll processing or payroll support functions.

- Excellent MS Office skills (Word and Excel).

- Skilled in using computers and related software applications.

- Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to plan and organize job responsibilities and priorities, with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.

- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment.

- Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity and handle confidential information with discretion.

- Knowledge of customer service principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment.

Hiring Range: $59,861 to $76,921

Payroll Administrator II

- 3+ years of payroll and /or accounting experience.

- Experience with payroll software required.

- Experience in corporate payroll preferred.

- Payroll certification preferred.

- Excellent MS Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

- Skilled in using computers and related software applications, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to streamline and improve work processes.

- Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated problem-solving ability and strong attention to detail.

- Advanced organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple work assignments while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

- Knowledge of customer service principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-priority, and changing team environment.

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754

Payroll Analyst Senior

- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. - 5+ years of relevant experience in payroll and/or accounting.

- Experience with payroll software required.

- Experience in multi-state payroll required.

- Payroll tax experience required.

- Payroll certification (CPP or FPC) preferred.

- Experience with equity awards, including Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Awards (PSAs), preferred.

- Excellent MS Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), with emphasis on Excel.

- Experience in corporate-level payroll preferred.

- Skilled in using computers and related software applications, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to streamline and improve work processes.

- Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated problem-solving ability, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple work assignments while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered. Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane Washington, Headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager. To Apply

We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile

. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review.

No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

- Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage

- Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match

- Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions

- Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation

- Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind

- Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health

- Education and development support including tuition assistance

- Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact

- Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $68,027 to $123,376. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com

. Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.