Skookum

Payroll Specialist

Bremerton, Washington Full time

Join Tessera and make a difference.

Tessera is a national leader in creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are a dynamic and growing organization of social entrepreneurs dedicated to building strong communities and delivering exceptional service.

About Tessera:

  • A recognized leader in inclusive employment and workforce development.

  • A mission-driven team of innovative and passionate professionals.

  • Operating self-sustaining businesses across 15 states and the District of Columbia, with a workforce of more than 1,700 employees.

  • Committed to providing outstanding customer experiences across all service lines.

  • Focused on supporting employee growth through robust training, development, and support programs.

Our Bremerton, Washington Home Office supports nationwide operations with a highly skilled and motivated team specializing in finance, human resources, vocational and workforce development, information systems, strategy, business development, communications, marketing, quality, safety, learning, and more.

Location: Bremerton, Washington

Type: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $22.79 - $30.03 per hour (Tessera's compensation strategy is to position new employees between the minimum and midpoint of this range, depending on qualifications and experience.)

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (flexible start and end times depending on scheduling needs)

As a Payroll Specialist, you'll… The Payroll Specialist is responsible for all tasks involved in the processing of payroll. This includes validating new hire information, entering and maintaining timesheet data, reconciling, and reviewing for accuracy.

  • Enter new hire data directly into payroll system with accuracy and great attention to detail.

  • Review and verify employee changes are processed accurately for promotions, job changes, or location changes.

  • Process terminations and final pay for employees.

  • Review time verifying all hours have been submitted and approved for payment.

  • Ensure accurate and timely computation of pay in accordance with Company policy and regulations.    

  • Run reports in support of Payroll, other departments, and external customers.

  • Resolve discrepancies and irregularities in a prompt and accurate manner that aligns with weekly and bi-weekly deadlines.

  • Respond to email and phone inquiries from employees, HR, Managers, and other team members.

  • Ensure accurate and appropriate responses to inquiries while providing excellent customer service.

  • Ability to maintain a confidential and professional work environment exercising extreme discretion.

  • Exercise good written and verbal communication skills to ensure high customer service standards are delivered.

  • Be a solution driven team member focused on exceptional results and opportunities.

  • All Other Duties as Assigned.

You'd make an excellent Payroll Specialist if you:

  • Consider yourself a people person.

  • Love working on collaborative teams.

  • Are dedicated to internal and external customer service.

  • Take pride in your work.

  • Are drawn to serving others and want to challenge yourself through mission-driven work.

Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

  • Elective 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer discretionary contribution after 90-days of employment

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care

  • 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 12 paid days of vacation, paid sick leave

  • Potential shared earning bonus

  • Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents

  • Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities

  • Verizon wireless discount

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Summary of desired skills and experience for the Tessera Payroll Specialist:

  • Associate’s degree in Finance is required.

  • 0 – 3 year of previous experience in Finance or Accounting is required.

  • Combination of education and previous experience will be considered.

  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

  • Attention to detail and accuracy

  • Strong communication skills

  • Problem analysis and problem-solving skills, and solution driven

  • Computer skills

  • Stress tolerance

  • A valid state driver’s license is preferred with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.

  • Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Date Posted: 03/20/2026

*** Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org to complete an application.

Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process. 

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or email recruiting@tessera.org.

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify