Senior Personnel Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of a Program Supervisor or Payroll Officer in the Statewide Disability Program, the incumbent will serve as an expert resource and staff specialist within Personnel/Payroll Operations and will perform duties associated with the research and resolving the most complex payroll disability problems and situations, on a statewide basis, ensuring both documentation and transaction processing are in compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, policies, procedures and bargaining unit contract provisions. The incumbent will be expected to independently identify payroll disability problems, their causes, research alternative solutions, provide recommendations, and consult with analytical staff, coordinating solution implementation as necessary.

Duties Performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Research and resolve the most complex and sensitive disability payroll issues, evaluate automated processes and heavy workload associated with various statewide programs.

• Ensure both documentation and transaction processing are in compliance with Federal and State laws, policies, procedures and Bargaining unit contract.

• Audit and process disability payroll transactions, to update files, histories and generate daily payrolls and supplemental monthly payroll.

• Process 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.

• Develop and maintain unit training manuals.

• Review, monitor, and evaluate the work of less experienced Payroll/Personnel Specialists, provide training and/or input to their respective supervisor(s).

• Authorize PC uploads to the mainframe computer for entry level staff (containing multiple state employee payments and adjustments).

• Review Technical Letters regarding changes to personnel/payroll resulting from the collective bargaining process.

• Ensure appropriate personnel and payroll documentation instructions are provided prior to statewide distribution.

• Review and recomend potential adjustments to the Payroll Procedures Manual, Operations Guide and Personnel and Payroll Letters prior to statewide distribution.

• Identify, document, and provide test data to analytical staff for system related issues.

• Provide information to the supervisor regarding operational needs, concerns, and improvements to existing policies and procedures.

• Project and maintain temporary overtime expenditures as well as develop annual workload projections for Personnel Operations and Payroll Offices.

• Compile statistical data and develop weekly and monthly reports of unit activities.

• Route, sort, and distribute incoming files to appropriate disability unit or staff.

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 con
enient 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

A resume is required.

Take the required examination here: Senior 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.
• 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

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 required and must be included.