Payroll Specialist

Under close/general supervision of a Staff Services Manager I, the incumbent is responsible for auditing and processing W2/Non-Uniform State Payroll Service (USPS), Miscellaneous Deduction documentation in compliance with established State and Federal laws, rules, policies, procedures and collective bargaining contract provisions. This is a multi-range level class spanning entry through advanced journey levels of the Payroll Specialist series. Incumbents are assigned progressively more complex and difficult duties as they gain experience and training.
Duties and Responsibilities:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Audits and processes Non-USPS/payroll transactions necessary to update annual W-2 files and payroll histories. Generate daily payrolls and supplemental master payrolls. This includes, applying mandatory withholding, and processing transactions affecting taxable gross for the W2 reporting process.

• Utilizes Personal Computer software and respective applications to create payroll transactions and to research references on the Local-Area Network and the Internet.

• Determines and selects the correct deduction application, maintains specific files, updates and deletes files as necessary, uploads files to the mainframe and requests specific files be extracted for overnight processing. Experienced staff may provide functional guidance to trainees.

• Audits, researches and resolves computer generated error messages related to payroll transactions and mandatory deductions. Resolution of messages frequently requires abstracting and analyzing detailed information and determining correct computations.

• Acts as a telephone liaison to a variety of inquiries related to deductions, mandatory withholding, and W-2 taxable gross reporting using the Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) system. Researches and resolves inquiries and problems regarding documentation and procedures. Provides instructions to state agencies regarding corrective action as a result of the audit process, as necessary.

• Provide the Statewide Miscellaneous Deductions Program with additional support during open enrollment and other peak workloads.

• Perform other duties such as photocopying, filing, and mailing various documents.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

This position offers hybrid telework opportunities under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-450107

Position #(s):
051-220-1311-999

Working Title:
Payroll Specialist

Classification:
PAYROLL SPECIALIST $3,913.00 - $4,897.00 A
$4,497.00 - $5,638.00 B
$4,659.00 - $5,833.00 C
$5,033.00 - $6,299.00 D

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Facility:
Personnel/Payroll Services Division

Department Information The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.

The Personnel and Payroll Services Division (PPSD) of the California State Controller's Office is responsible for ensuring that more than 290,000 state employees are paid accurately and on time. This division manages complex payroll systems, processes employee benefits, and handles a wide range of personnel transactions. By joining this team, you'll be at the forefront of delivering essential services that directly affect the livelihoods of state workers across California.

Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!

To learn more about the SCO, visit: https://www.sco.ca.gov/index.html

How did you hear about us? Take our survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCOJOBS

Special Requirements

A resume is required.

A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see 'Required Application Package Documents' for instructions.

Take the Payroll Specialist examination here:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2156

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/2/2024
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Controller's Office
Attn: Human Resources Office - A.M.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Controller's Office
Human Resources Office - A.M.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - The SOQ should be no longer than one page in length, size 12 font, in narrative format , and state what interests you about this position and addresses the following:
  
  
  • Describe your specific skills or experience that will allow you to succeed in the Payroll Specialist classification.
  • Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment and your ability to organize/prioritize work to meet deadlines.
    
  
  Resumes and cover letters cannot be substituted for the SOQs. Applications submitted without the SOQ will not be considered for the position.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust.
• Ability to motivate and encourage staff and promote a team effort.
• Ability to guide staff in performing tasks of varying degrees of complexity.
• Ability to remain flexible with constantly changing priorities.
• Possess strong organizational skills and commitment to quality customer service.
• Excellent attendance and dependability.
• Ability to use tact, good judgment, and possess a positive attitude.
• Ability to apply State and Federal laws, rules, policies, procedures, and Collective Bargaining Contracts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jesse Rios
(916) 322-3682

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 324-2223

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.