What are the responsibilities and job description for the PAYROLL SPECIALIST position at State Controller's Office?
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
- Audit and process disability payroll transactions, update files and histories. Generate daily payroll and supplemental master payroll. Staff involvement includes: processing pay-generating transactions, transfer of funds between appropriations, establish account receivables, Utilize PC software and applications to create payroll transactions and research references on the LAN and the Internet.
- Determine and select the correct payroll application, maintain files, update and delete files as necessary. Upload files to the mainframe and request specific files to be extracted for overnight processing. Experienced staff may provide functional guidance to trainees.
- Audit, research and resolve computer generated error messages for disability and adjustment transactions. Resolution of messages frequently require abstracting and analyzing detailed information and determining correct computations.
- Cross train in other units to support overall improvement of team performance.
- Act as a payroll telephone liaison to state departments, by responding to a variety of inquiries.
- Research and resolve inquiries regarding payroll documentation and procedures through the use of reference materials (i.e. the Payroll Procedures Manual, Operations Guide, etc.).
- Provide instructions to customers regarding corrective action as a result of the audit process.
- Route, sort, and distribute incoming documents to appropriate disability unit or staff.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit’s light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework 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
Department Information
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!
Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office.
How did you hear about us? Take our survey!
Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see ‘Required Application Package Documents’ for instructions.
Note: The Personnel Specialist eligibility can be used as an appropriate list for the Payroll Specialist. Take the required examination here: Personnel Specialist Examination
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: 3/13/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 -
Please submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) stating what interests you about this position. Include the skills and abilities that make you a suitable candidate. The SOQ should be no longer than one page in length and size 12 font.
Applications submitted without a SOQ in a narrative format will automatically be excluded from the recruitment process. Resumes and cover letters cannot be substituted for the SOQs. Applications submitted without the SOQ will not be considered for the position.
- 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.
Desirable Qualifications
- Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust.
- Knowledge of SCO’s role in administering the State Payroll System.
- Experience reviewing and analyzing complex data and preparing reports.
- Ability to work collaboratively to identify system/program issues and propose solutions.
Benefits
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
jrios@sco.ca.gov
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:SCO 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.
