Payroll Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under close/general supervision of a Payroll Officer, is responsible for auditing and processing payroll documentation in compliance with established State and Federal Laws, rules, policies, procedures and collective bargaining contract provisions. This is a multirange level class, spanning entry through advanced journey levels. Incumbents assigned to Range A perform the least difficult transactions duties. Based upon the appropriate alternate range criteria, incumbents advance to Ranges B, C, and D. Under close supervision at the entry level, and under general supervision at the journey and advanced levels, and in accordance with established procedures, incumbents are assigned progressively more complex and difficult transactions duties in a variety of payroll transactions areas. Experienced incumbents in this class may provide functional guidance to lower-level staff.

Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Audit and process a wide variety of payroll transactions necessary to generate monthly and supplemental payroll. Payroll transactions include transfers of funds between appropriates, establishing accounts receivable for overpayments and issuing original payments due to civil service employees utilizing the Uniform State Payroll System (USPS) and respective applications used to create payroll transactions.

• Audit, research and resolve computer generated error messages. Resolution of message frequently requires abstracting and analyzing detailed system generated reports then determining correct computations.

• Act as a communication liaison to state departments by responding to a variety of inquiries via telephone and/or email. Research and resolve inquiries and problems regarding payroll documentation and procedures. May provide instructions regarding corrective action as a result of the audit process.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Special Requirements

Take the required examination here: Personnel Specialist Examination

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust. Ability to multi-task daily workloads, meet deadlines, and adjust to priority changes.

• Experience using Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe, MS Teams and Access. Knowledge and experience with the Uniform State Payroll System.

• Experience working in a Personnel office processing personnel and payroll transactions.

• Ability to apply and interpret State and Federal laws, rules, policies, procedures and Collective Bargaining contracts. Strong organizational skills.

• Exceptional communication skills.

• Knowledge and practice of Completed Staff Work.

• Must be dependable, punctual, and have excellent attendance Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and communicate effectively Ability to work as part of a team and individually with minimal supervision.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.