Payroll Specialist-District (Temporary Position)

$46,301 - $58,552/Yr

Peralta Community College District - Oakland, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Oakland, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Specialist-District position is a temporary role that involves performing clerical and technical work related to the processing and maintenance of the District's payroll. Under general supervision, the individual will be responsible for a variety of payroll functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This role requires a strong understanding of payroll processes, as well as the ability to handle complex payroll functions and maintain detailed records for various employee groups. The Payroll Specialist will also be tasked with auditing payroll information, investigating discrepancies, and preparing various reports as needed. The position demands a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work under strict deadlines while providing excellent customer service to employees regarding payroll and benefits issues. In addition to the core responsibilities, the Payroll Specialist will be expected to maintain and process medical, dental, and life insurance billings, as well as handle manual check issues and stop payments. The role requires proficiency in using personal computers and various software programs, including ERP systems like Oracle/PeopleSoft. The ideal candidate will have a background in financial or accounting record-keeping, with a strong emphasis on payroll processing and compliance. The position may involve occasional remote work, as well as in-office duties at the Oakland, CA district payroll office, depending on the needs of the department.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a Technical resource person performing complex payroll functions.
• Maintains payroll records of various employee groups; balances monthly payrolls.
• Maintains, computes, and monitors pay for all employee pay differentials, step increases, promotions, overtime, and adjustments to pay.
• Reviews and enters payroll information into payroll system accurately.
• Receives and reviews timesheets and personnel forms related to status changes; examines timesheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensures timesheets and reports are in compliance with local, state, and federal policies and regulations as well as union payments rules and regulations.
• Audits payroll information and researches discrepancies.
• Researches and investigates problems and follows up as necessary to ensure resolution.
• Prepares various reports using a variety of information as required.
• Audits, compiles, calculates, and processes payments in support of voluntary deductions to various private agencies.
• Prepares annual compliance reports for tax sheltered annuities in addition to updates as requested.
• Prepares and audits salary reports for various departments and third parties based on varied criteria.
• Responsible for accuracy of reports on contributions to CalPERS, CalSTRS, and the Apple Plan.
• Responds to questionnaires and verification of earnings requests.
• Reads and interprets salary ordinances, administrative codes, union contracts, labor laws, publications, and District policies.
• Provides technical expertise to employees regarding interpretation of applicable laws, rules, and regulations related to payroll, retirement, and benefit issues.
• Reviews third party invoices; evaluates for discrepancies and researches as needed.
• Calculates overpayments and recommends repayment procedure if necessary.
• Calculates and prepares manual retroactive pay.
• Processes manual check issues and stop payments.
• Computes deductions for annuity adjustments, tax levies, garnishments, and child support payments.
• Assumes responsibility for accuracy and completion of changes regarding salary deductions for credit unions, tax shelters, savings bonds, and dues.
• Maintains and processes medical, dental, and life insurance billings.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Three years of financial or accounting record-keeping experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge and proficiency in the operation and use of personal computers, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and database management software programs (e.g. MS Office Suite, MS Word, MS Access, and MS PowerPoint), the Internet browser, websites, e-mail, and 10-key by touch.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle/PeopleSoft 9.0.
• Strong customer service skills with understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of bookkeeping, office practices, business practices and procedures specific to payroll processing and maintenance.
• Basic accounting clerical practices.
• General laws, rules and policies affecting payroll records and programs.
• Payroll preparation and verification procedures.
• Knowledge and proficiency in MS Excel.
• Payroll processing experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle/PeopleSoft HCM 9.2.
• Work experience in an academic institution.
• Pension (CalSTRS; CalPERS) reporting experience.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $22.26 - $28.15 per hour
• Potential for flexible scheduling
• Opportunity for professional development and training
• Supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion