Payroll Technician II/III

San Diego State University Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

7d•$24 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on January 15, 2026. The salary range for this position is dependent upon qualifications, classification, and internal equities and is as follows: PR Tech II - $24.00 - $27.68 PR Tech III - $28.25 - $31.50 This position works a hybrid schedule of two in-office days per week. Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work. Our vision is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations. Our core values: Service: We are a service organization that strives to provide superior support to the university community to achieve SDSU’s goals; we are committed to being professionally competent by setting high standards and working hard to achieve results; and we continually seeking to improve our skills and capabilities by valuing education and professional development. Collaboration: We seek to actively engage with our stakeholders and employees to identify issues and design solutions, build strong relationships grounded in trust, openness, and inclusion and achieve the best results by taking pride in the accomplishments of our colleagues. Innovation: We work towards inspired solutions to improve and adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges, creative ways to streamline and enhance our delivery of services through resourceful and proactive problem solving and strategic use of technology and reduction of obstacles. Respect: We promote a culture where every individual is valued and treated with dignity, we honor open-mindedness toward different viewpoints and ideas and have a genuine appreciation for varied backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. Integrity: We are committed to act with the highest ethical standards, with honesty, integrity, and transparency, provide consistent and accurate information and value and respect all individuals. WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES The Payroll Department is responsible for managing SDSU Research Foundation’s payroll systems and ensuring that employees are paid on time and accurately, while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and policies. Responsibilities YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE Providing excellent payroll service for all SDSU Research Foundation employees, including projects, KPBS, Extended Studies and Campanile Foundation staff.

Requirements

Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to payroll, time reporting and benefit plans.
Knowledge of computing skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Knowledge of and understanding of tax deductions and paid time off accruals.
Ability to interpret payroll policies and procedures to employees through instructions, procedures, or other means.
Ability to establish and maintain strict confidentiality of personnel and payroll documents and records.
Ability to work under pressure and can prioritize the workload to meet payroll deadlines.
Ability to review payroll documents for accuracy, completeness, validity, and adherence to standards.
Ability to learn the Banner finance system, Workforce, and additional systems as it relates to payroll.
Ability to work well in a team environment to expedite audits needed for payroll and tax preparation.
Ability to demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to interact with administrators, faculty, staff, and employees.
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, alertness, and good judgment in responding to others.
Any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Two years of payroll and personnel experience.
Any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Three years of payroll and personnel experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related.
Experience with Ellucian Banner, Etrieve, JIRA or other related electronic systems
Payroll Certification (FPC or CPP)
Previous experience using a time keeping system such as Workforce Software for payroll processing.
Experience working in a diverse academic or public organization.

Responsibilities

Processing semi-monthly payroll of roughly 2,000 employees twice a month.
Processing data changes (W-4 information, direct deposit, address changes in banner system.
Assist in software testing and report writing.
Perform payroll audits and compliance checks.
Assist in additional audits, non-resident compliance and processing.
Various other tasks as assigned.
Perform general office duties (incoming mail, employee email requests and questions, verifications of employment).

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Life and disability insurance plans
Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
Vacation and sick leave accruals
14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
Wellness workshops