Payroll Technician III

Job Title


Payroll Technician III


Classification


Payroll Technician III


Auto Req. ID


555532


Salary Range


Classification Range $4,570 - $6,658 per month


(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,570 - $4,850 per month)


Work Schedule


Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Why CSUF


California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.


Department


The Payroll Services department within the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence (HRIE) supports the campus by providing information related to employment and department processes to ensure accuracy and on time payment of employees. HRIE is committed to the mission of meeting the needs of a multi-cultural, inclusive campus community. Our highly qualified team of professionals is focused on providing human resource services and supports the University's goal to recruit and retain high-quality faculty and staff. We seek an exceptional individual to join our Payroll Services team as the Payroll Technician III. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.


Duties and Responsibilities


Under the general supervision of the Payroll Services Manager and/or Workforce Data Manager, the Payroll Technician III must encompass a variety of day-to-day administrative and technical duties requiring knowledge of payroll, employment methods, and procedures in order to provide support for the campus community with researching, analyzing and processing complex payroll and employment information which includes, but is not limited to, performing advanced mathematical calculations; clearly and concisely explaining complex policies, procedures, guidelines, applicable state and federal laws, educational codes, and collective bargaining agreements; coordinate and perform a variety of functions; research, analyze, explore solutions, and present complex concepts and analysis to make recommendations for changes to existing processes and procedures; investigate and resolve errors and discrepancies; use current computer word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, electronic calendaring programs, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and data management systems; and read and write at a level appropriate to the position.


The Payroll Technician III exercises sound judgment, initiative, and independence to achieve results, and deal with subject matter requiring a high degree of technical expertise which may include, but is not limited to, providing lead work, training, guidance, and assistance to campus partners such as timekeepers, administrators, and/or other Payroll Technicians. The Payroll Technician III is the sole provider and coordinator of payroll services for their campus caseload and completes a range of difficult and unusually complex payroll and employment related transactions to appoint, separate or change the pay and/or employment status of various categories of university employees in a highly independent manner. These tasks routinely involve the ability to research and analyze data to make accurate projections, possess a comprehensive knowledge of payroll laws, procedures, precedents, policies, and comprehension of collective bargaining agreements to ensure individuals are timely and accurately paid. The position applies an in-depth knowledge of payroll and employment to support the daily functions of Workforce Administration, Time and Labor, Absence Management, Payroll Information Management System (PIMS), and all other Payroll/Employment software products. Other duties as assigned.


Essential Qualifications


Equivalent to three years of increasingly responsible specialized experience in preparing and processing payroll/personnel transaction documents. Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities. Possession of solid analytical skills, sound judgement, and excellent organizational skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated initiative and innovation in solving problems. Strong experience with an automated Payroll system. Thorough knowledge of Business English and arithmetic; general knowledge of office methods, procedures, and practices. Expertise in Microsoft applications. Thorough knowledge of, or the ability to acquire quickly: Uniform State Payroll Procedures Manual, Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), Public Employees' retirement manual, and PeopleSoft (CMS).


A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.


Preferred Qualifications


The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll in a higher education or public sector environment, preferably within the CSU system. Possess knowledge of Federal and State payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including FLSA, tax withholding, and benefits deductions. Experience with payroll and/or employment systems and software, such as CHRS or PeopleSoft, is highly desirable. Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and recordkeeping, as well as experience preparing reports, reconciling, and auditing payroll data and transactions. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and other departments regarding payroll questions and issues.


License/Certifications


A valid California driver's license.


Special Working Conditions


Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator


Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.


Additional Information


California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.


Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.


As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.


Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.


Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.


If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.


Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.


Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.


Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.


California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.


Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.


Hiring Preference


On-Campus CSUEU Employees

Advertised: May 28 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Jun 18 2026 Pacific Daylight Time