Payroll Specialist

$65,173 - $92,088/Yr

Cerro Coso Community College - Bakersfield, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Bakersfield, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Specialist plays a crucial role in the Human Resources department by managing the payroll processes for the District Office. This position involves performing complex technical tasks related to payroll accounting, ensuring accuracy in payroll transactions, and providing guidance to other payroll personnel. The specialist is responsible for preparing and processing various payrolls, reconciling accounts, and maintaining payroll records, while also serving as a resource for payroll-related inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process classified, academic, and management payrolls.
• Provide guidance to other payroll personnel in the preparation of payroll input documents.
• Respond to inquiries regarding technical processes and use of Banner H/R.
• Establish schedule for transmitting direct deposit payments for wages to the bank.
• Coordinate the distribution of payroll warrants and reconcile direct deposit accounts.
• Analyze account deposits and debits.
• Assemble, tabulate, extend, balance, and post District payrolls and related data.
• Examine payroll transactions for accuracy and completeness, including rate of pay and account numbers.
• Evaluate discrepancies in payments or records and perform adjustments as required.
• Post, monitor, and audit vacation and sick leave usage.
• Monitor and adjust employee annual wage statements for overpayments and third-party sick pay.
• Maintain and update individual payroll records and audit files for mandatory payroll documents.
• Prepare, submit, and monitor required retirement reports.
• Calculate and process payments in support of voluntary deductions to various private agencies.
• Research and respond to questions regarding District payroll policies and procedures.
• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual payroll reports to governmental agencies.
• Coordinate the processing of W-2 statements and balance W-2 figures annually.
• Provide authorized payroll information to public agencies and verify earnings for employees as requested.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier and computer.
• Assist in the annual preparation and presentation of workshops on payroll-related matters.

Requirements

• A.A. Degree and five years of increasingly responsible experience in payroll or maintenance of financial accounting records.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, and terminology used in payroll and bookkeeping.
• Familiarity with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Understanding of Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) rules and procedures.
• Proficiency in statistical record-keeping and reporting principles.
• Basic math skills and ability to perform calculations quickly and accurately.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to operate office equipment including a computer.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll software systems, particularly Banner H/R.
• Knowledge of additional payroll-related regulations and compliance requirements.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Retirement plan options
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options