Payroll Technician III

Position Description

Job Title: Payroll Technician III
Classification: Payroll Technician III
Auto Req. ID: 555532
Salary Range: Classification Range $4,570 - $6,658 per month (Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,570 - $4,850 per month)
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Why CSUF: California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the Payroll Services Manager and/or Workforce Data Manager, the Payroll Technician III must encompass a variety of day-to-day administrative and technical duties requiring knowledge of payroll, employment methods, and procedures in order to provide support for the campus community with researching, analyzing and processing complex payroll and employment information which includes, but is not limited to, performing advanced mathematical calculations; clearly and concisely explaining complex policies, procedures, guidelines, applicable state and federal laws, educational codes, and collective bargaining agreements; coordinate and perform a variety of functions; research, analyze, explore solutions, and present complex concepts and analysis to make recommendations for changes to existing processes and procedures; investigate and resolve errors and discrepancies; use current computer word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, electronic calendaring programs, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and data management systems; and read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
• The Payroll Technician III exercises sound judgment, initiative, and independence to achieve results, and deal with subject matter requiring a high degree of technical expertise which may include, but is not limited to, providing lead work, training, guidance, and assistance to campus partners such as timekeepers, administrators, and/or other Payroll Technicians.
• The Payroll Technician III is the sole provider and coordinator of payroll services for their campus caseload and completes a range of difficult and unusually complex payroll and employment related transactions to appoint, separate or change the pay and/or employment status of various categories of university employees in a highly independent manner. These tasks routinely involve the ability to research and analyze data to make accurate projections, possess a comprehensive knowledge of payroll laws, procedures, precedents, policies, and comprehension of collective bargaining agreements to ensure individuals are timely and accurately paid.
• The position applies an in-depth knowledge of payroll and employment to support the daily functions of Workforce Administration, Time and Labor, Absence Management, Payroll Information Management System (PIMS), and all other Payroll/Employment software products. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Equivalent to three years of increasingly responsible specialized experience in preparing and processing payroll/personnel transaction documents.
• Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities.
• Possession of solid analytical skills, sound judgement, and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and innovation in solving problems.
• Strong experience with an automated Payroll system.
• Thorough knowledge of Business English and arithmetic; general knowledge of office methods, procedures, and practices.
• Expertise in Microsoft applications.
• Thorough knowledge of, or the ability to acquire quickly: Uniform State Payroll Procedures Manual, Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), Public Employees' retirement manual, and PeopleSoft (CMS).
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
• CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll in a higher education or public sector environment, preferably within the CSU system.
• Possess knowledge of Federal and State payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including FLSA, tax withholding, and benefits deductions.
• Experience with payroll and/or employment systems and software, such as CHRS or PeopleSoft, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and recordkeeping, as well as experience preparing reports, reconciling, and auditing payroll data and transactions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills are essential to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and other departments regarding payroll questions and issues.