SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST

$65,976 - $82,680/Yr

California State Controller's Office - Sacramento, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Sacramento, CA

About the position

The Senior Payroll Specialist (SPS) serves as an expert resource within the Personnel and Payroll Operations Bureau of the State Controller's Office. This role involves providing technical support and independently managing a diverse range of personnel and payroll tasks. The SPS acts as a liaison with customers and stakeholders, implements processes, develops training programs, and resolves complex payroll issues, all while functioning in a lead capacity.

Responsibilities

• Research and resolve complex personnel and payroll problems for California State agencies and campuses.
• Evaluate automated processes and manage workloads associated with various Statewide programs.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, policies, and bargaining unit contracts.
• Respond to inquiries from State agencies regarding documentation and procedures.
• Exercise lead responsibilities, provide training, and review the work of less seasoned staff.
• Coordinate and control unit workloads, ensuring cut-off dates are met.
• Participate in meetings to improve personnel/payroll efficiencies on a statewide basis.
• Provide technical expertise in handling complex personnel/payroll documents and reports.
• Review and comment on revisions to payroll manuals and proposed letters prior to distribution.
• Work on special projects involving new personnel/payroll processes or time-sensitive workloads.

Requirements

• Experience in payroll processing and personnel management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and policies related to payroll and personnel.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in training and leading staff.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of California State payroll systems and procedures.
• Experience with automated payroll systems.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining processes.

Benefits

• Hybrid telework options available.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.