Payroll Technician

Purpose Statement

The job of Payroll Technician is done for the purpose/s of providing support to COE, School Districts and department activities with specific responsibility for processing all phases of payroll; responding to complex and unusual payroll problems and computational questions; ensuring compliance with mandated requirements; and maintaining confidential employee records.

This job reports to the Assigned Administrator/Supervisor. 

Essential Functions

• Assists auditors for the purpose of providing supporting documentation and/or information on internal process that is required for audit.
• Communicates with CO personnel, school districts, other staff and/or outside parties regarding procedural requirements for the purpose of processing transactions, exchanging information and resolving issues or concerns.
• Compiles payroll information related to work assignments for the purpose of providing required documentation and/or processing information.
• Distributes payroll and other documents (e.g. open enrollment packets, new/change forms, flyers, etc.) for the purpose of providing documents in a timely manner.
• Maintains knowledge of current and pending legislation related to payroll functions for the purpose of ensuring compliance with new laws, codes, rules, and regulations and developing recommendations for the implementation of pending legislation.
• Monitors assigned payroll activities and/or components (e.g. leave time, work location, employee attendance, benefits, taxes, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating and adjusting data and information related to employee leave, benefits and taxes and ensuring compliance with established standards, guidelines, requirement, laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of payroll related documents and materials (e.g. payroll calendars, salary and benefit tables, state labor reports, gross to net calculations, time sheets, withholding information, employee contributions, retirement contributions, insurance billings for payment, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information, and complying with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Processes payroll related data for new hires, terminations, and current employees (e.g. employee time cards, withholding information, pay rates, deductions, tax status, garnishments, insurance billings, retiree payments, etc.) for the purpose of verifying and evaluating payroll-related forms and applications, inputting and updating a variety of data and complying with established payroll practices.
• Reconciles payroll account balances for the purpose of maintaining accurate account balances and complying with established guidelines.
• Researches discrepancies of payroll information and/or benefit information (e.g. time sheets, leave time, withholding vs W-4, salary status, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established procedures.
• Responds to inquiries regarding payroll procedures (e.g. wage levies and garnishments, savings, contributions, direct deposits, etc.) for the purpose of serving as a technical resource to County Office personnel, school districts and others concerning assigned payroll functions, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Reviews a variety of insurance-related information (e.g. medical, dental, vision, disability claims, insurance billings, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accuracy of payroll and insurance records.
• Supports the Payroll Manager and Payroll Group in completing payroll operations for the purpose of ensuring the timely and accurate payroll generation.
• Trains selected COE, School District and other personnel for the purpose of ensuring their ability to use new and/or existing systems and payroll application software.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects;  developing effective working relationships; applying job-related codes, regulations and laws; problem-solving; and classifying data and/or information.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles; personnel processes; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws relating to payroll; payroll application software; and business telephone etiquette; personnel administration practices.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; maintaining confidentiality; accuracy and attention to detail; and displaying tact and courtesy.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,   and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience      Job related experience is required.

Education        Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area.

Equivalency    Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work in accounting or related field and three years general accounting experience including work with payroll functions.

The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job.   However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed. 

Required Testing	Certificates
Written Testing	Valid California Driver’s License
Continuing Educ./Training	Clearances
	Department of Justice & FBI LiveScan Clearance Pre-Placement Health Assessment Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Clearance

 

FLSA Status                                                    Approval Date                                              Salary Range

Non Exempt                                                                                                                                   30

We are located in beautiful Northern California on the Sacramento River, near Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown Lake, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and many other natural wonders. We are an outdoor enthusiast's ideal destination. If you are searching for a place with affordable homes, where you can escape traffic and congestion, and with a true sense of community then come explore Shasta County, California. We are committed to ensuring that all students receive a quality education taught by highly qualified and motivated staff committed to the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student. Our mission at the Shasta County Office of Education, "To be leaders in educational excellence, offering support to schools and community to ensure Shasta County students receive a quality education preparing them for high school graduation and success in career and college". It is a mission we do not take lightly. We are accountable to our clients, not only in providing a quality education for our youth, but also in maintaining sound management practices and care in how we provide oversight to the 25 school districts in Shasta County. Together with the school district superintendents we have developed common goals centered around collaboration and support for all students throughout Shasta County. Core Values Service to and Engagement of school districts, and community partners and each other for the benefit of all students Hopeful and Helpful Aspire to improve and innovate Shared humor and joy Trustworthy Attract, hire, and retain the best employees