Payroll Technician (Payroll Technician II, Range 1) - San Francisco Bay Region Network (Payroll Services)

San Francisco State University•San Francisco, CA

43d•$4,037 - $5,327•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Technician performs experienced-level payroll processing and serves as a technical resource within the Payroll team of the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN). Reporting to and working under the close supervision of the Director of Payroll, the position processes payroll transactions accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable requirements, and provides guidance and support to Payroll Technicians serving California State University, East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University. The role handles core payroll activities, including employee and compensation data maintenance, payment and deduction processing, time and attendance administration, leave accruals, payroll reconciliation, and audit reporting. It also handles more complex assignments, assists with quality review of other Payroll Technicians’ work, and serves as a resource for non-routine transaction questions. The incumbent independently resolves moderately complex matters and refers highly complex or policy-level matters to Payroll Analysts, Lead Payroll Analysts, or the Director of Payroll. This is a full-time, one-year probationary position assigned to on-campus operations in California, with SFSU as its primary work location and designated home campus. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel among Network universities and work outside normal business hours during peak payroll processing periods may be required. The position requires successful completion of a background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three business days of hire.

Requirements

Equivalent to two years of payroll and personnel experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge and abilities.
Thorough knowledge of general office methods, practices, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire, relevant policies, procedures, programs, guidelines, state and federal laws, educational codes, and collective bargaining agreements.
Ability to select and apply a wide variety of moderately complex policies, procedures, programs, and applicable laws, codes, and agreements when they are not clearly described in available guidelines.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations, work independently, and make sound decisions and recommendations regarding payroll activities.
Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software, web browsers, electronic calendaring programs, ERP/HRIS, and data management systems.
Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
Successful completion of a background check.
Ability to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three business days from the date of hire.

Responsibilities

Process day-to-day and experienced-level payroll transactions for an assigned segment of the Network workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable procedures, policies, agreements, and regulations.
Create and maintain employee payroll records; process personal-data and employment-data changes and compensation adjustments; and verify data integrity before and after payroll cycles.
Process recurring and one-time payments, stipends, overtime, shift differentials, and garnishments.
Resolve moderately complex payroll discrepancies and escalate exceptions with significant compliance implications to Payroll Analysts or the Director of Payroll.
Administer time and attendance data for assigned employee groups, including timesheets, exception reports, leave balance adjustments, and identification of FLSA compliance concerns.
Support special runs and manual payments, coordinating changes and entering payroll data accurately.
Run standard and ad hoc audit and reconciliation reports, review results, and independently resolve routine and moderately complex exceptions.
Review and enter Payroll Processing Transactions (PPT).
Determine eligibility for retirement programs, including CalPERS and PST (Savings Plus); ensure applicable enrollment; and audit enrollment and process corrections promptly and accurately.
Ensure monthly and ad hoc payments processed by the State Controller’s Office are accurate and timely.
Support daily PeopleSoft Time and Labor and Absence Management functions, including reviewing reports, entering time and adjustments, and monitoring CTO, ADO, and Plus/Minus.
Establish, process, collect, and audit accounts receivable arising from overpayments, retroactive deductions, and benefit premiums, including establishing payment plans as needed.
Follow applicable payroll legal and regulatory requirements and maintain knowledge of relevant labor laws, manuals, policies, agreements, and regulations.
Collaborate with senior leadership to compile requested documentation, run data queries, and prepare accurate, accessible records for internal and external audits.
Respond to employee and departmental payroll inquiries about pay discrepancies, deductions, leave balances, and direct deposit; provide accurate information within scope and refer complex or policy-related matters appropriately.
Communicate professionally with campus HR contacts, departmental administrators, Finance partners, and employees across the three universities, and maintain records of inquiries and resolutions.
Provide payroll training and guidance to departments on procedures, timekeeping requirements, and system processes to support accurate and timely submissions.
Support equity, diversity, and inclusion; model Network core values; protect information and systems; and promote safe work practices.
Assume additional responsibilities as directed by the Director of Payroll; duties may be added or changed.