PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Payroll Specialist (538225)State Controller's Office$4,030.00 - $6,488.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.Final Filing Date: 11/20/2026Under 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 Payroll 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 Duty Statement.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.You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.PAYROLL SPECIALISTJob Code #: JC-538225Position #(s): 051-220-1311-999Working Title: Payroll SpecialistClassification: PAYROLL SPECIALIST $4,030.00 - $5,044.00 A $4,632.00 - $5,807.00 B $4,799.00 - $6,008.00 C $5,184.00 - $6,488.00 D New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.Number of Positions: 1Work Location: Sacramento CountyTelework: HybridJob Type: Permanent, Full TimeFacility: Personnel/Payroll Services DivisionThe Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future. The Personnel and Payroll Services Division (PPSD) of the California State Controller's Office is responsible for ensuring that more than 290,000 state employees are paid accurately and on time. This division manages complex payroll systems, processes employee benefits, and handles a wide range of personnel transactions. By joining this team, you'll be at the forefront of delivering essential services that directly affect the livelihoods of state workers across California. Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives! Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.Take the required examination here: Personnel Specialist ExaminationCompleted applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.Final Filing Date: 11/20/2026Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:Address for Mailing Application PackagesYou may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:State Controller's Office Human Resources Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W. 300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300 Sacramento, CA 95814Address for Drop-Off Application PackagesYou may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:State Controller's Office Human Resources Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W. 300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300 Sacramento, CA 95814 Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PMRequired Application Package DocumentsThe 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.Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should