Payroll Specialist I

Salary Range 70,220.80 - 86,611.20 Job Description The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is recruiting for the position of Payroll Specialist I. Under general supervision, the Payroll Specialist I performs a variety of technical and administrative work in the preparation and processing of Court-wide in-house payroll and personnel actions without the use of a third-party provider; verifies employee time is recorded and coded appropriately; ensures employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and union agreements; and performs other related duties as assigned. Distinguishing Features Payroll Specialist I - the first working level in which incumbents working under general supervision receives formalized and on-the-job training in processing in-house payroll functions and performs a variety of technical and clerical work following established procedures. Payroll Specialist II - the journey level class of the series in which incumbents working under direction perform a wide variety of technical and clerical work of increasing difficulty and a degree of independence. May act as a lead to support the unit supervisor. Example of Duties NOTE: The following are duties performed by employees in this classification; however, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all listed duties. Prepares payroll and related documents (i.e. quarterly tax reports, mass payment and benefits uploads, arrears payment memos, etc.); reviews for accuracy, completeness and compliance with payroll procedures; reviews and adjusts attendance and timesheet records; calculates or checks gross pay, overtime and other supplemental pay and pay adjustments. Reviews, files, and maintains payroll records in paper and electronic format. Processes payroll-related transactions (i.e. new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, promotions, transfers, reclassifications, vacation sell requests, etc.). Responds to inquiries from payroll partner units, employees, retirement system staffing, and vendors regarding payroll related information. Conducts research to resolve payroll related issues and identifies solutions. Maintains reports from electronic timecard systems and any relevant supplemental documentation or information for each pay period. Verifies employment and completes written verification of salaries. Prepares payroll-related reports; compiles payroll reports to support payments to vendors and reconciles invoices. Processes wage garnishment and levies in accordance with regulations as prescribed by regulatory authorities. Reads, learns, interprets and explains various rules, MOU's and policies as they affect the payroll process. May review their peers' work to verify that the data is accurate before processing. Assists in evaluations and analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the payroll system and processes; recommends changes in policies or procedures. Assists in developing and updating payroll related informational materials and job aids. Tests new or updated business processes. Compiles routine and periodic statistical reports; assembles, sorts and tabulates data for inclusion in reports and requests for information related to audits or policy decisions. Provides assistance to employees on payroll and benefit related matters; conducts research to resolve payroll and benefit related problems and identifies solutions. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: Possession of an Associate's degree from an accredited college in accounting or business administration or a related field. Experience: The equivalent of one year of full-time clerical and administrative payroll experience. Substitution: Additional qualifying work experience as described above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year (2080 hours) of additional qualifying experience will be considered equivalent to 30 semester units/45 quarter units. Knowledge of basic principles, practices and terminology related to payroll processing; laws and regulations affecting payroll practices, including FLSA requirements; methods of coding and classifying payroll documents; basic record keeping methods; research techniques; word processing, spreadsheet and payroll software applications; modern office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment and personal computers; effective oral communication techniques; and basic principles of leadership. Ability to understand and apply payroll record keeping practices; determine proper accounting codes and classifications for transactions; interpret and apply payroll policy and negotiated employee agreements; operate calculators, personal computers (including hardware and a variety of relevant software programs), and other office equipment; communicate effectively in person or by telephone with the public and staff; assist in scheduling, assigning and prioritizing the work of others; train, coach and review others' work for technical accuracy and compliance with administrative and legal requirements; make oral presentations to staff on payroll and benefit related matters; research and analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions; provide back-up support to manager as needed; read, understand and follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and others; work independently and as member of a team; work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions; and prioritize work and meet deadlines. This position includes a one-year probationary period. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of fingerprint check and the provision of appropriately identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the United States. The position is: Unrep'd Manager Hiring Process Hiring Process The hiring process will include the following components: An initial screening of all application materials received including a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. A review of the completed application and supplemental questionnaire to select the best-qualified candidates for the oral panel interview process. An oral interview that will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final score. The oral interview may contain situational exercises. The Court reserves the right to change the components of the examination process and may limit the number of candidates invited to the oral interview process to include only the best-qualified candidates should there be a large applicant pool. The application and supplemental questionnaire are used to evaluate the candidate's qualifications. If you require accommodation in the examination process because of disability, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io to discuss. Job Posting End Date August 19, 2026 About the Superior Court The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is a state trial court whose mission is to fairly and efficiently resolve disputes arising under the law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of California and the United States. The Superior Court is a state-funded independent public employer. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda has approximately 700 employees in 9 locations and serves 1.6 million residents in all trial court matters including criminal, civil, juvenile dependency and delinquency, family law, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, mental health and traffic cases. Court Locations Alameda – George E. McDonald Hall of Justice Berkeley – Berkeley Courthouse Dublin – East County Hall of Justice Fremont – Fremont Hall of Justice Hayward – Hayward Hall of Justice Oakland – René C. Davidson Courthouse complex Oakland – Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse San Leandro – John George Psychiatric Pavilion San Leandro – Juvenile Justice Center The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is committed to investing in staff and operations, so that Court employees will be able to offer the highest level of service that true access to justice demands. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda's mission to provide access to justice for all drives Court operations. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is committed to ensuring equal access to court services and inspiring public confidence in the court system through excellence in service, integrity, impartiality, competence, and diversity. About Alameda County Alameda County is located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay extending from Berkeley and Albany in the north to Fremont in the south. The County has varied geography with wooded hills, vineyards, streams and lakes. Elevations range from sea level to 3,817 feet at Rose Peak in the southern part of the County. Alameda County offers air, sea and ground transportation access to the rest of the United States and the Pacific Basin. The County is served by one of the world's most advanced and comprehensive transit systems, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. The County is home to some of the most prestigious educational and research campuses in the world, the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Livermore Labs. In addition to these institutions, the County offers a developed and diverse system of higher education institutions, and an extensive network of cultural and outdoor recreational activities. Alameda County is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the nation. #J-18808-Ljbffr