Personnel Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under general supervision of the Program Manager, in the Statewide Disability Program the incumbent is responsible for auditing and processing payroll documentation in compliance with established State and Federal laws, rules, policies, procedures and collective bargaining contract provisions. This is the trainee through advanced journey level of the Personnel Specialist series. Incumbents are assigned progressively more complex and difficult duties as they gain experience and training.

Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Audit and process disability payroll transactions, update files and histories. Generate daily payroll and supplemental monthly payroll. Staff involvement includes: processing 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. Experienced staff may provide functional guidance to trainees.

• Audit, research and resolve computer generated error messages for disability and adjustment transactions. Resolution of messages frequently require abstracting and analyzing detailed information and determining correct computations.

• Cross train in other units to support overall improvement of team performance.

• Act as a payroll telephone liaison to state departments, by responding to a variety of inquiries.

• Research and resolve inquiries regarding payroll documentation and procedures through the use of reference materials (i.e. the Payroll Procedures Manual, Operations Guide, etc.).

• Provide instructions to customers regarding corrective action as a result of the audit process.

• Route, sort, and distribute incoming documents 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 convenient 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. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment. 

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

Take the required examination here: 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.