Description

Application Instructions :

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered.

• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

• For job postings requiring professional references, include at least three (3) professional references from the following categories:

1. Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);
2. Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);
3. Master's thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);
4. Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or
5. Other professional references.

Please note, professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for, or as a finalist for, a position.

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from the Payroll and Benefits Manager, leads, oversees, provides technical training, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for the preparation, processing, and auditing of District payroll; performs highly complex technical duties and responsibilities involving the preparation, processing, auditing, maintenance, and monitoring of payroll; provides guidance to Payroll Specialists; acts as the District payroll representative for requests of yearly tasks and maintenance of County payroll system by the County's retirement and compliance unit; assists in the development, implementation, and system administration of the District's central payroll system; provides technical expertise to District management and staff in the operation, capabilities, and enhancement of the District's automated payroll system; assists in the implementation of District payroll policies and procedures; and performs technical and complex accounting duties in the preparation, maintenance, and review of employee records, retirement accounts, and reports to ensure accuracy and conformance to established procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The District Payroll Systems Specialist class is distinguished from other classes within the job family by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all policies and procedures related to assigned area of responsibility and possess extensive knowledge of the capabilities, system integration and operations, enhancements, and limitations of automated payroll systems. This class recognizes the greater breadth and depth of knowledge required to use, maintain, and provide support and direction to drivers of payroll data and users of the automated payroll system. Further, this class requires specialized subject matter expertise in the most complex technical payroll functions in order to provide technical training and lead direction to other payroll staff in the department and college staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assist the Payroll and Benefits Manager managing the day-to-day operation of the Department; lead, plan, train, and review the work of staff responsible for the preparation, processing, and auditing of District payroll; participate in performing the most complex work of the unit including implementation of District payroll policies and procedures as well as payroll system administration.

Provide technical training to assigned employees in their areas of work including payroll processing and auditing methods, procedures, and techniques; provide technical expertise to District management and staff in the operation and capabilities of the District's automated payroll system.

Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

Coordinate resources and resolve complex payroll system problems through research, analysis, and consultation with users, technical staff, and managers; maintain, verify, review, and monitor processing of payroll information; train and update managers and staff regarding system changes and requirements.

Perform specialized duties related to the District's automated payroll system and integrated systems; assess needs and analyze system capabilities; confer with computer programmers and other District and college technical staff regarding system enhancements; test and evaluate results and new features.

Provide technical assistance to District and college administrators in developing payroll documents and reports in the business system; recommend and assist in development of policies and procedures.

Assume responsibility for auditing and balancing wages reported for each payroll cycle for compliance rules, retirement reporting, and taxation for calendar/fiscal year closing; act as a liaison to County compliance, retirement, and campus Fiscal Offices and Offices of Instruction to resolve discrepancies and other issues; ensure the funds are reported properly to all respective agencies and employees.

Establish and maintain integrity of payroll and retirement records to ensure proper audit trail for all payroll, retirement, financial, and accounting transactions and for legal record retention purposes.

Investigate questions and complaints related to historical payroll data affecting retirement service.

Prepare ad-hoc reports; compile data out of multiple database systems; reconcile data for accuracy, assist staff and provide to management to ensure efficiency in processing.

Lead the year-end close of the payroll system; rollover new fiscal year data by coordinating calendars, workshops, and tasks with staff, both Human Resources Operations units, campus Offices of Instruction, and other various campus Offices.

Provide information to District and college management and staff regarding various payroll records, accounts, and programs; answer questions and resolve problems related to assigned program or payroll function.

Assist management staff in processing all voluntary payroll deductions and performing unemployment audits and verifications; assist staff in implementing deductions, annuities, and savings; provide confidential employment verifications and retirement information.

Implement necessary payroll decisions in the absence of management staff; inform management staff daily regarding staff and payroll processing issues.

Audit payroll information; process and balance all adjustments and deductions; ensure accuracy and completeness of time sheets, data records, and adjustment sheets; distribute, deposit, hold, or cancel checks as necessary.

Maintain an accurate payroll database for reporting including deductions and employee contract items regarding vacation, sick leave, and long term disability; respond to requests and inquiries for information from employees.

Compile and calculate voluntary and individual deduction changes; input information into computer system based on employee classification timelines; calculate and apply inflation adjustments for workers compensation cases as necessary.

Generate and submit County reports regarding yearly work calendars, required number of work days, scheduled holidays, sabbaticals, and reduced workload contracts for teachers, counselors, administrators, and classified staff.

Prepare and maintain accurate and up-to-date reports and records on assigned activities; ensure compliance with various federal, state, and District policies, rules, and regulations.

Compile statistical data and assist in the tabulation of data for federal, state, and local government units, auditors, and staff.

Perform general clerical work; type a variety of letters, documents, and requisitions; answer questions in person and over the phone.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a payroll processing program.

School district payroll systems and procedures.

Specialized computer payroll systems and software in a large, complex organization.

Computer applications and software used in payroll program areas.

Capabilities and limitations of automated payroll systems.

Needs assessment and problem-solving techniques used in identifying and developing computer system enhancements.

Principles of lead supervision and training.

Accounting theory and principles, practices, and methods of payroll accounting and auditing.

Principles, practices, and methods of accounting, auditing, and financial record keeping.

Principles of analysis used in the interpretation of accounting, payroll, and financial data.

Critical thinking and problem-solving techniques used in identifying problems and developing solutions.

Pertinent federal, state, and District laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures including applicable sections of State Education Code and other laws.

Federal and state reporting requirements.

Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.

Mathematical principles.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

Assist in the day-to-day management of the Payroll Department.

Lead, organize, and review the work of staff; provide technical training, work direction, and lead supervision to other payroll personnel.

Provide technical expertise in the operation, capabilities, and enhancement of the payroll system.

Use and apply specialized knowledge of automated payroll systems and processes to assess payroll system needs.

Analyze system capabilities and confer with appropriate staff and software consultants regarding system enhancements; test and evaluate results and new features.

Provide technical training, expertise, and assistance to District administrators, managers, and staff regarding the operation and capabilities of the automated payroll system.

Audit, review, analyze, and reconcile payroll, retirement, human resources, and accounting reports.

Maintain complex employee and payroll financial records for the entire District.

Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures including federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Interpret and implement District policies and procedures.

Independently perform the most difficult and complex payroll processing and auditing functions including creating regular and ad hoc reports, researching errors and discrepancies, and providing high level staff support to the Manager.

Use and apply specialized knowledge to prepare, maintain, and analyze various payroll records, accounts, and reports; maintain assigned databases for the District and all campuses.

Compile and analyze data; identify variances and differences.

Audit, review, analyze, verify, and reconcile payroll accounting documents and reports.

Prepare a variety of financial statements, reports, and analyses for federal, state, and local agencies and the District.

Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Work independently with minimal direction and oversight.

Plan and prioritize work to meet deadlines; meet schedules and timelines.

Respond to inquiries and requests for information related to payroll.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible payroll processing experience that includes two years of experience in a senior payroll position with extensive involvement in the operation and development of automated payroll systems and software. Additional training as demonstrated through a professional designation may substitute for some experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Range 139 of the CSEA Salary Schedule

Work schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter.

Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hour per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Notice to all Candidates for Employment :

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System :

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations :

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

Attendance Requirement :

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness :

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice :

The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act :

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity :

The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD's goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER