Payroll Specialist (DS - Substitute)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision from supervisory or management staff, performs the full range of technical tasks supporting the preparation, processing and auditing of District payroll; applies current federal and state regulations as well as county and District policies in the preparation of payroll; and provides specific payroll information to faculty, staff and students.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Payroll Specialist in that the latter serves as a lead supervisor over lower level payroll processing staff. Employees at the Payroll Specialist level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series may be filled by advancement from lower level accounting classifications, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1.    Audit and prepare payroll information and time reporting documentation; process and balance all adjustments and deductions; ensure accuracy and completeness of time sheets, data records and adjustment sheets; distribute, hold or cancel checks as necessary.
2.    Perform on-line computer terminal transactions to input, update and maintain employee payroll records, reports and files; research, calculate and process retroactive, manual or special salary payments.
3.    Collect and maintain absences reported from various departments; reconcile absence reports with monthly timesheets; analyze absences for compliance with policies and contact departments to resolve discrepancies.
4.    Execute a variety of complex computations involving gross pay, retirement, taxes, vacation, sick leave and other leave balances, voluntary deductions, and worker’s compensation payments.
5.    Calculate estimated salary advances based upon anticipated deductions, tax changes, salary modifications, terminations or other adjustments; maintain computerized payroll system with appropriate estimated salary amounts.
6.    Complete retirement enrollment forms for all PERS eligible employees; monitor retirement information and status reports; make adjustments regarding STRS eligible employees in conjunction with Orange County Department of Education Retirement Office.
7.    Respond to and research questions received from employees, outside agencies, District departments and other sources regarding payroll processing; assist management, department payroll coordinators, and other district staff in understanding payroll reporting documents, and time reporting procedures.
8.    Establish and maintain deadlines in accordance with Orange County Department of Education’s payroll processing policies and procedures; ensure coordination and reconciliation of payroll information with Office of Human Resources staff, payroll coordinators, and Information Systems and Services.
9.    Interpret policies and procedures from bargaining unit contracts, State Education Codes, Orange County Department of Education, retirement agencies, and the Office of Human Resources; respond to requests for information and assistance from employees, management, outside agencies and the public.
10.    Prepare and maintain accurate and up-to-date reports and records on assigned activities; ensure compliance with various federal, state and District policies, rules and regulations.
11.    Perform general clerical work; type a variety of letters, documents and requisitions; answer questions in person and over the phone.
12.    Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Pertinent federal, state, county and District laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Principles, practices and methods of accounting, auditing and financial record keeping.
School district payroll systems and procedures.
Public retirement systems as they apply to payroll processing.
Computer applications and software used in payroll processing.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:
Learn various software packages for implementation and application.
Perform difficult payroll work requiring independent judgment and initiative.
Interpret and apply federal, state and District policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Maintain an accurate database for payroll reporting, related deductions and employee benefits.
Respond to inquiries and requests for information related to payroll and employee benefits.
Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Understand and follow oral and written communications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in payroll, accounting, bookkeeping or a related field.

Experience:
Two years of responsible payroll and/or accounting experience.