Payroll Specialist - Fiscal Services

El Camino College Payroll Specialist Division: Fiscal Services Closing Date: 06/04/2026 Job Summary Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Payroll Specialist performs a wide range of advanced payroll and financial related services to support the district's faculty, classified, confidential, administrative, temporary, and student employee groups. This role is responsible for the analysis, preparation, maintenance, and verification of all payroll records, transactions, and reporting. Employees in this role work with limited supervision, operate within established policies and regulations, and serve as a technical lead within payroll operations. Responsibilities Process full-cycle payroll for assigned payroll groups, ensuring accurate and timely payment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, district policies, Education Code, Labor Code, and collective bargaining agreements. Enter, validate, and reconcile payroll data, including timekeeping, wage adjustments, premiums, overtime, retroactive compensation, and special payments as applicable. Maintain up-to-date payroll calendars; ensure adherence to district payroll timelines. Function as the lead in payroll by coordinating workflow, training staff, and supporting others as needed in timely completion of payroll cycles. Assist with troubleshooting issues of payroll team members and escalating to management as appropriate. Recommend process improvements and assist in the implementation of established payroll procedures. Participate in task forces, meetings, and provide input on process improvements and technology implementations. Ensure compliance with IRS, EDD, CalSTRS, CalPERS, Education Code, Labor Code, and all payroll-related regulatory requirements. Prepare and reconcile payroll tax deposits for various pay cycles. Prepare and reconcile various monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports, retirement reports, and year-end wage reporting. Participate in internal and external audits and provide required documentation. Collaborate with IT, HR, and Accounting to implement payroll system updates, processes, reporting, and regulatory requirements. Serve as a technical resource to district staff on payroll processes, benefit deductions, pay timelines, and contract-specific pay provisions. Provide clear communication regarding payroll policies and pay impacts, respond promptly to employee inquiries, and resolve discrepancies. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years directly related payroll experience; OR two (2) years college level course and six (6) years directly related payroll experience; OR ten (10) years of directly related payroll experience required. Other Qualifications Expertise working in a payroll office administrative role or environment. Expertise working knowledge of payroll and labor law rules, regulations, principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of CalSTRS, CalPERS, public‑sector payroll cycles, and multi‑bargaining‑unit environments. Knowledge of District organization, operations, policies, and objectives. Knowledge of methods, practices, documents, and terminology used in payroll recordkeeping. Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and union agreements applicable to timekeeping, payroll preparation and pay reporting. Knowledge of advanced accounting and internal control policies and procedures. Knowledge of record keeping and filing practices and procedures. Knowledge of various computer software applications, district enterprise financial and payroll systems. Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Skilled at advanced payroll techniques, methods, and procedures. Skilled at reading, interpreting, applying and explaining rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Skilled at establishing and maintaining accurate filing systems and records. Skilled at organizing day‑to‑day operations for the payroll team and setting priorities. Skilled at exercising tact and diplomacy at all times. Skilled at using computers to input, edit, and extract data and information. Ability to prepare and maintain complex office operations and reports related to payroll activities. Ability to follow departmental procedures, District policies, and other regulatory requirements. Ability to learn and apply emerging technologies and advances to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner. Ability to communicate sensitive information with discretion, tact and accuracy. Ability to work independently under general direction. Ability to produce clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Ability to maintain confidentiality of District files and records. Ability to provide technical guidance to and onboarding support to temporary employees and students as needed. Ability to analyze work accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Ability to maintain professional and effective communication when interacting with staff, vendors and customers in regards to payroll issues, policies, procedures, state and federal laws. Ability to meet schedules and deadlines, and to complete work efficiently with many interruptions. Working Conditions / Physical Demands Typical office setting. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard. Exchange information in person and on the phone. Sit for extended periods of time. Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Move from one work area to another as needed. High volume telephone and email usage. Extensive computer work. Compensation Starting salary is $6,157 per month. Generally, new employees start at the first step on the salary schedule. Advanced salary placement may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Salary increases are granted on the first day of the month following each year of service, until Step F is reached ($7,915 monthly). Employees contribute 8% of their earnings toward the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Benefits Health, life, dental and vision insurance. Dependent medical, dental, and vision insurance is available, toward which both the College and the employee contribute. Sick leave and disability. Paid sick leave is granted equal to one day for each month of service. Sick leave days may be accumulated indefinitely. Rather than State Disability Insurance. Retirement. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and Social Security. Previous employment performed in a different public retirement system may allow eligibility to continue in the same retirement system. Summer work hours. During the summer, employees work eight 32‑hour work weeks with full pay. Equal Opportunity Employer El Camino College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The El Camino Community College District is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an educational and employment environment in which no person is subjected to discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (over 40), disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as required by state and federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr El Camino Community College