Senior Payroll Specialist

Under the general direction of Supervisor I, the incumbent serves as an expert resource and staff specialist within the Personnel/Payroll Operations Bureau. The incumbent is responsible for providing technical support and lead responsibilities for the W-2, Non-USPS & Miscellaneous Deductions Unit, including a wide variety of deductions offered through the payroll deduction program. The incumbent independently performs work involving a diverse range of tasks, situations and processing/production environments, and functions as a liaison with client and control agencies. Implements processed and procedures; develops and maintain specialized training programs and internal procedures; represents the department on inter-departmental teams; and resolves a wide variety of issues and problems pertaining to Collective Bargaining (CB) contracts, mandated laws, rules, regulations, and policies associated with the statewide deduction programs and employee business expenses and fringe benefit reporting.

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

• Research and resolve the most complex, sensitive and critical problems\issues associated with the Non USPS transactions, and Miscellaneous/Voluntary deduction resulting from; changes to deductions, ensuring accuracy to the deduction payroll master file; resolution of payroll errors affecting the deduction file; implementation of programs mandated by CB contract, laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; redesign/enhancement to existing systems and/or PC application; unique situations caused by system error or erroneously processed transactions; complex problems received via correspondence or telephone inquiry from departments, campuses, or employees.

• Develop and evaluate alternative solutions and provide recommendations for Non-USPS, and Miscellaneous Deduction processing. Evaluate manual/automated processes and heavy workloads associated with various statewide programs related to miscellaneous deductions processing and develop/implement effective action plans. Interpreting and ensure both documentation and transaction processing for voluntary deductions is in compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, policies, procedures, and CB contracts.

• Assign, coordinate, and control workload assignments to staff to meet established goals and management expectations; identify training needs for staff, evaluate work performance and provide recommendation to supervisor.

• Perform activities for special projects or heavy and time critical workloads related to Miscellaneous Deductions and W-2 reporting with ongoing monthly cut offs related to application of deduction transactions. Identify, document and provide system test data to analytical staff for system related changes and/or problems. Recommend automated processes for high volume/time critical workloads.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive training and review module and provide training to new and less experienced staff; develop and maintain the unit operation/desk manual to reflect new or modified procedures and instructions for Non USPS/Miscellaneous Deductions; including special personal computer applications developed through the client builder program.

• Prepare management reports using personal computer software regarding workloads, and/or special project status; develop weekly goals to correspond to management expectations.

• Review and comment on revisions to Payroll Procedures Manual, Personnel, and Payroll letters prior to statewide distribution.

• Review legislation/control agency letters/memoranda affecting possible changes in procedures and/or processes for criteria related to W-2/Non USPS issues and Miscellaneous Deductions and provide recommendations to management and for procedural modifications; ensue appropriate personnel and payroll documentation completion instructions are in place prior to statewide distribution.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

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.

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.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522973


Position #(s):
051-220-1315-999

Working Title:
Senior Payroll Specialist


Classification:
SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST $5,663.00 - $7,097.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
Personnel/Payroll Services Division


Department Information
The 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.

How did you hear about us? Take our survey!


Special Requirements
Take the required examination here: Senior Personnel Specialist Examination


Application Instructions
Completed 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: 7/27/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals 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).


How To Apply
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 Packages


You 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 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You 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 PM


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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:

• Knowledge of: Current office methods, procedures, and basic math principles; laws, rules, regulations, and bargaining contract provisions affecting payroll or deduction programs; procedures and policies of the processing of payroll transactions/documents.

• Ability to: Think logically, multitask, and apply laws, rules, regulations, and bargaining contract provisions concerning payroll transactions.

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust.

• Independently interpret and use reference material; give and follow directions.

• Gather data design and prepare tables, spreadsheets, and charts.

• Communicate effectively; operate a computer keyboard/terminal.

• Deal with departments, campuses, and employees on technical matters and sensitive issues.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted during the course of the work.

• Organize and prioritize work.

• Create/draft correspondence.

• Provide technical assistance to staff, and represent the department on intra/interdepartmental teams.

• Coordinate a variety of personnel/payroll transactions.

• Research critical transactions and recommend alternative solutions.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jesse Rios
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
SCO EEO Officer
View phone number on click.appcast.io


California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.