Job Title

Payroll Technician III

Classification

Payroll Technician III

Auto Req. ID

555532

Salary Range

Classification Range $4,570 - $6,658 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,570 - $4,850 per month)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Why CSUF

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system, CSUF fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. The university values teaching, research, and service, creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty can thrive. Joining CSUF means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact. We continuously seek individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.  

Department

The Payroll Services department within the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence (HRIE) supports the campus by providing information related to employment and department processes to ensure accuracy and on time payment of employees. HRIE is committed to the mission of meeting the needs of a multi-cultural, inclusive campus community. Our highly qualified team of professionals is focused on providing human resource services and supports the University's goal to recruit and retain high-quality faculty and staff. We seek an exceptional individual to join our Payroll Services team as the Payroll Technician III. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Payroll Services Manager and/or Workforce Data Manager, the Payroll Technician III must encompass a variety of day-to-day administrative and technical duties requiring knowledge of payroll, employment methods, and procedures in order to provide support for the campus community with researching, analyzing and processing complex payroll and employment information which includes, but is not limited to, performing advanced mathematical calculations; clearly and concisely explaining complex policies, procedures, guidelines, applicable state and federal laws, educational codes, and collective bargaining agreements; coordinate and perform a variety of functions; research, analyze, explore solutions, and present complex concepts and analysis to make recommendations for changes to existing processes and procedures; investigate and resolve errors and discrepancies; use current computer word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, electronic calendaring programs, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and data management systems; and read and write at a level appropriate to the position.

The Payroll Technician III exercises sound judgment, initiative, and independence to achieve results, and deal with subject matter requiring a high degree of technical expertise which may include, but is not limited to, providing lead work, training, guidance, and assistance to campus partners such as timekeepers, administrators, and/or other Payroll Technicians. The Payroll Technician III is the sole provider and coordinator of payroll services for their campus caseload and completes a range of difficult and unusually complex payroll and employment related transactions to appoint, separate or change the pay and/or employment status of various categories of university employees in a highly independent manner. These tasks routinely involve the ability to research and analyze data to make accurate projections, possess a comprehensive knowledge of payroll laws, procedures, precedents, policies, and comprehension of collective bargaining agreements to ensure individuals are timely and accurately paid. The position applies an in-depth knowledge of payroll and employment to support the daily functions of Workforce Administration, Time and Labor, Absence Management, Payroll Information Management System (PIMS), and all other Payroll/Employment software products. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Equivalent to three years of increasingly responsible specialized experience in preparing and processing payroll/personnel transaction documents. Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities. Possession of solid analytical skills, sound judgement, and excellent organizational skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated initiative and innovation in solving problems. Strong experience with an automated Payroll system. Thorough knowledge of Business English and arithmetic; general knowledge of office methods, procedures, and practices. Expertise in Microsoft applications. Thorough knowledge of, or the ability to acquire quickly: Uniform State Payroll Procedures Manual, Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), Public Employees' retirement manual, and PeopleSoft (CMS).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll in a higher education or public sector environment, preferably within the CSU system. Possess knowledge of Federal and State payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including FLSA, tax withholding, and benefits deductions. Experience with payroll and/or employment systems and software, such as CHRS or PeopleSoft, is highly desirable. Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and recordkeeping, as well as experience preparing reports, reconciling, and auditing payroll data and transactions. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and other departments regarding payroll questions and issues.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver’s license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees