Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct, and manage countywide payroll activities in the Auditor-Controller’s office; to oversee the operation of the County’s centralized payroll system and  the work of assigned payroll staff; to develop, establish, and implement payroll division goals, objectives, and performance standards; to ensure accuracy of payroll data and records and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, agencies, and the public.

The Manager level recognizes classes that assume full line and functional management responsibility for a division or program area within a major department. This single-position class is distinguished from the Payroll Supervisor in that the latter performs first-line supervisory duties and is responsible for personally performing complex payroll work and resolving complex issues.

Receives direction from the Assistant Auditor-Controller and/or higher-level management staff.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, direct, and manage the work of the Auditor-Controller’s payroll division to meet deadlines and produce accurate payroll.
• Evaluate operations and activities of the division; develop and implement division goals, objectives, and priorities; implement improvements and modifications.
• Develop or redesign payroll processes and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, as well as memoranda of understanding and other County ordinances and policies.  
• Maintain ongoing awareness of changes to tax laws, memoranda of understanding, policies and procedures, and other federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to payroll processing activities; review staff work and division policies and procedures for compliance.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Information Technology, and other County departments and divisions and serve as the departmental subject matter expert regarding end-user requirements of the automated payroll system; conduct acceptance testing for payroll system upgrades, modifications, and troubleshooting; work with others to develop and implement system changes, improve payroll functions, and maintain and update system reference tables and rules as needed.  
• Create and modify payroll system queries and reports.
  Supervise and ensure the accurate processing and input of payroll data and information; perform periodic earnings, time reporting, deductions, and other payroll-related audits.
• Manage and participate in the analysis and compilation of payroll records and data for use by the County Executive Office, Human Resources Department, and other County departments.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for assigned personnel and equipment; monitor and control expenditures.
• Resolve the most complex, difficult problems, errors, and discrepancies; address non-routine inquiries related to payroll documents and records.
• Interpret and explain operating procedures, rules, and regulations related to payroll processing.
• May participate in labor negotiations and/or provide analysis and recommendations regarding the feasibility and technical implications of labor agreement changes.
• Recommend the appointment of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of effective customer service.
• Represent the County and the Auditor-Controller’s Office to the public and other agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; attend applicable trainings and conferences.
• Perform related duties as required.

OR

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices used in planning, organizing, and controlling workflow and processes.
• Principles and practices of payroll processing and related functions.
• Accepted methods and procedures for recordkeeping and maintenance of payroll data, records, and reports.
• Accounting methods and procedures, including methods and procedures for performing and auditing payroll calculations and systems. 
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations applicable to payroll processing and related functions
• Current and pending tax and benefit legislation as applied to payroll.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• Principles and practices of research, analysis, and management.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and training of staff in work procedures.
• Standard accepted principles and practices of motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, analyze, understand, identify, recall, interpret, apply, and explain technical and numerical information, work papers, reports, special projects, rules, laws, and regulations; observe and problem-solve operational and technical policy and procedures; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; focus on a single task for long periods of time.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, push, pull, kneel, and twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift light weight. 
• Organize, implement, and direct assigned program operations and activities. 
• Review and resolve difficult and complex payroll problems. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials. 
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Utilize governmental accounting and payroll software, as well as other general general technology and software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. 
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.