Payroll Technician at College of the Canyons

Valencia, CA

About the Job

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Payroll Technician in the Business Services division.


Salary Placement:

-Salary placement will be on Range 30 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B. ** Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3  ($5,767.00 / $6,115.00 / $6,453.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range.

Probationary period for new Classified employees is six months. Work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 40 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, and sick time are provided. Ten vacation days accrue during the first year of employment. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor approval.

Who We Are
The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences – fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue, and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality, and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative, and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

Who We Want
We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

Position Description:

Under the direction of the Director of Payroll Services, in conjunction with the Associate Vice President, Business Services and the Assistant Superintendent/Vice-President, Business Services, the Payroll Technician performs technical payroll-related functions including but not limited to analysis, reconciliation and reporting for the District’s various payrolls, which are currently processed using the Los Angeles County Office of Education computerized payroll system. Assumes responsibility for all aspects of payroll-related entries and reporting into the Los Angeles County of Education, District, and other related institutional/government agency computerized systems. Provides support to Payroll Coordinators and Director on complex payroll functions. Prepares employee historical payroll, employment, and other related data reports as directed. Complies with established regulations, policies and procedures. Performs specialized office support tasks relating to Payroll Services and other related duties as assigned, including clerical types of tasks.

Essential Duties:

The Duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

Organizes, plans, performs payroll activities, and reconciles payroll to ensure accurate and timely preparation, distribution, maintenance, and legal reporting of a payroll system(s) while meeting demanding payroll schedules and timelines. Participates, contributes, and assists in the ongoing development of those systems and implementations of new systems related to employment and payroll.
Prepares, processes, audits and balances payroll transactions from print, electronic, and/or other forms of time reporting. Reviews time records and reconciles reports for accuracy. Enters time worked into the computerized payroll system. Processes appropriate budget account codes as well as specialized tax status for all District employees. Evaluates appropriate budget account codes, retirement codes, withholding for taxes, Social Security and Medicare status, Unemployment Insurance and payroll deductions.
Processes and enters employment related documents for new, current and terminated employees in a timely manner into a computerized payroll system in order to maintain an accurate employee database. Responsible for compliance with record retention policies and procedures in order to ensure the security and accessibility of documents and records.
Assists Payroll Coordinators and Director of Payroll Services in the processing and auditing of payrolls under their responsibility. Assists with other data entry and reporting as needed.
Calculates, records and maintains accurate leave plan accruals, usages and balances. Audits timesheets and manual leave forms of other employee classifications, synchronizing procedures in the payroll database system(s) with the District Online Leave System.
Maintains payroll deduction vendor accounts including but not limited to: reviewing accuracy of requests for all employee deductions, system input and maintenance of deductions, complies with district policies and regulations for voluntary and required payroll deductions. Reconciles employee deductions with monthly vendor invoices and processes warrant requests for related payments. Processes refunds, corrections, additional deductions as needed, etc. to ensure account is reconciled.
Compiles and processes timely and accurate payroll tax deposits as well as assists with the quarterly and annual Federal, State and Unemployment Insurance payroll tax reports and reconciliation. Provides employee salary history and position information in response to State EDD audits, and for other authorized governmental jurisdictions and regulatory agencies.
Interacts with Human Resources and other departments regarding employment and payroll matters. Provides payroll information and documents as requested by, but not limited to supervisor, auditors, faculty, staff, students and other requestors as applicable. Prepares information and reports for public records requests.
Ensures payroll transactions are charged to correct funding accounts. Inputs correcting entries for funding account errors.
Performs various administrative and clerical duties as required, including but not limited to keying correspondence, reports and forms, copying and filing documents, faxing information, establishing and maintaining files, distributing County reports, attending meetings and assisting all staff.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and works effectively with limited supervision and frequent interruptions.
Knowledge of laws, ordinances, regulations and District procedures related to payroll processing.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities:

Position requires ability to:

Learn, interpret and apply legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guidelines and operational procedure.
Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and ability to multi-task in a high stress, team-oriented environment.
Perform repetitive work, or continuously perform the same work with accuracy and efficiency.
Assume responsibility for clerical detail.
Adapt to changing payroll and procedural requirements.
Analyze data and solve non-routine problems using good judgment and applying generally accepted accounting principles.
Work independently while meeting schedules and timelines.
Take direction, both verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records as well as assist in the preparation of concise and complete reports as required.
Provide appropriate information to the students, faculty, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner.
Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and privileged material and information.
Communicate effectively and accurately orally and in written form.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, temporary employees, and others connected in the performance of duties.
Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high-quality services.
Type with speed and accuracy using automated payroll system, word processing, spreadsheet, database; and make arithmetical calculations in like manner.
Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, including record management and filing systems, receptionist and telephone techniques, correspondence and report writing.
Apply knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and community.

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:
Two years (2) full-time equivalent experience in a general office with increasing responsibility. Including a minimum of one (1) year experience with payroll processing. Experience using a computerized payroll system is required.

Education:
Education equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 semester units) is required. Two years’ direct experience in addition to that identified above may be substituted for each year (30 units) of college.

Desirable Qualifications:

Payroll experience working in an educational institution or public agency system.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word/Excel).
Experience using an administrative database (such as HRS, Datatel, Colleague, or PeopleSoft).

Physical Characteristics:

Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling; frequently exert 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; handling and working with various materials and objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor; may be exposed to occasional contact with dissatisfied individuals; and travel from site-to-site.
District Classified Employee Benefits:

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified program that includes medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability, and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees. Educational incentive is available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees.

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

About the District:

Access. Engagement. Success.
College of the Canyons serves more than 37,000 students on two campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Better known locally as COC, the college excels at both transfer and career preparation, sending thousands of graduates each year to California’s top public and private four-year universities, and into high-wage careers in Southern California’s fastest-growing industries.

The college has earned numerous regional, state, and national awards for its innovative and collaborative efforts to increase student access, engagement, and success. It was the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The college is also recognized for its high degree of Hispanic student enrollment and degree achievement, having been named one of the top colleges in the nation for those achievements by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine.

The college takes seriously its mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a 48-percent Hispanic student population, it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

College of the Canyons is:

Guided by an elected five-member Board of Trustees composed of former faculty members and students committed to prudent fiscal management and thoughtful policy development.
Supported by an active Foundation that generates more than $1 million of revenue and awards more than $300,000 in student scholarships each year.
Recognized as a statewide leader in the development and implementation of OER/ZTC (open educational resources/zero textbook costs) materials, saving students millions of dollars in textbook costs.
Resourceful, as evidenced by the $16 million in grant revenue generated in the past year.
Highly regarded in the community, whose residents voted to approve more than $400 million of bond funds in three separate elections since 2001.
Focused on making higher education more affordable, as evidenced by the Canyons Promise program that provides the first two years of study free for new, full-time students.

The best measure of our success is the achievement of our students. Their accomplishments include:

Transferring to the top University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Earning national and state academic awards, including Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa All California Academic Team honors.
Winning 39 state championships while competing in 17 intercollegiate sports.
Designing research projects carried aboard NASA spacecraft.
Garnering numerous awards in Model UN, Forensics (Communications), and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.
Achieving a 21 percent median wage increase after completing career education courses.

Those who are selected for positions at College of the Canyons will join a team of accomplished administrators, esteemed educators, and dedicated staff members who are innovative and focused on enhancing people’s lives by continually expanding educational access, engagement, and success.

Ready. Set. Grow.
College of the Canyons is poised to continue growing in its ability to expand access to higher education, to enhance student engagement, and to bolster the ongoing success of our students and wider community.

Currently, we are:

Building an off-site Advanced Technology Center to provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and welding.
Renovating the Student Center to create a more welcoming gathering space for students.
Enhancing the services we offer to students at our Canyon Country campus with the addition of 110,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and support spaces in the new Takeda Science Center and adjoining Student Services & Learning Resources Center.
Offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs (and always developing more), including new Allied Health training programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Creating a safe space for students to share their voices and engage in dialog and connection in our new Intercultural Center.
Hosting world-class entertainers in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the Valencia campus.
Offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from partner universities at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.
Bolstering the economic development of our region by raising $2.5 million in external funding to provide customized workforce training for more than 5,100 local employees.

By always working to create new opportunities, focusing on innovation, and embracing dynamic partnerships, we create ongoing success that benefits everyone we serve.

Are You Ready to Join Us?
College of the Canyons is looking for faculty, staff, and administrators who are leaders, innovators, and creators focused on putting the needs of students first. Specifically, we seek those who share our commitment to:

Teaching and Learning – College of the Canyons values high performance in teaching and learning.
Respect for All People – We expect students and employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity, social responsibility, and ethical behavior that fosters a college climate characterized by civility, collegiality, and acceptance.
Partnership with Community – We advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural, and economic aspirations of our surrounding community by actively partnering with more than 100 community schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and government and social agencies.
Excellence – We set the highest standards for ourselves and support the professional development of faculty, staff, and administrators.
Creativity and Innovation – We encourage members of the college community to be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, creative, persistent, spontaneous, and willing to explore new ideas that strengthen our ability to enhance student access, engagement, and success.

Location. Location. Location.
The single college within the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, the third most populous city in Los Angeles County, and serves a 367-square-mile area in the northern part of the county. The college’s two campuses are just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.

With mild weather and convenient freeway access, the Santa Clarita Valley offers residents and visitors convenient year-round access to what makes Southern California a popular destination. Theme parks, Pacific Ocean beaches, and mountains are nearby, along with the dining, cultural, and sports attractions of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other iconic destinations.

Our service area is a hub of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and film production. By redefining the traditional role of community colleges, we have become the training provider of choice for local companies, which count on us to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge training.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources . If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 to 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.
Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet.

Do you possess education equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 semester units) from an accredited college or university? If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If you do not possess the equivalent of an Associate’s degree and you are using additional years of work experience in lieu of semester units, please clearly indicate how you meet the minimum educational requirement through this additional work experience.
Please describe your experience working in a general office with increasing responsibility, including a minimum of one year with payroll processing. Please include employer name(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (number of hours worked per week), your roles and responsibilities. Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in this field.
Please describe your experience using a computerized payroll system.
Please describe your experience working with an administrative software program (such as Banner, Colleague, Datatel, HRS, or PeopleSoft) or a proprietary system.
Please describe your customer service experience, highlighting any experience you have in a high stress, team-oriented environment.
Please describe your methods for organizing multiple projects and daily work.
Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural, diverse environment.
Why do you want to work in this staff position at College of the Canyons?

Letters of reference are optional.

Please note:

Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
“Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name, contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed. Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of August 19, 2024 and August 26, 2024 and conduct final interviews between the weeks of August 26, 2024 and September 2, 2024. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom.

** This is an in-person position, working at the Valencia campus. **

Positions are offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

Salary

5,767 - 5,767 /year