Principal Payroll and Personnel Clerk (1224) - Citywide Exam - (X00113)

Company Description

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

1224 Principal Payroll and Personnel Clerk
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM

Please note:  This examination announcement has been amended on 3/3/26 to update the verification and selection procedures sections. 4/14: This application has been reopened until 4/17/26 to accept additional applications. 

This is a Citywide Exam which means that multiple departments across the City and County of San Francisco will have the opportunity to hire candidates resulting from this recruitment.

City and County of San Francisco payroll positions may include but are not limited to the following departments:  Department of Public Health (DPH), Office of the Controller, City College of San Francisco, Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Public Works (DPW), San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), San Francisco Fire Department, Human Services Agency (HSA),  San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and Unified School District (USD).  

• Application Opening:  March 2, 2026
• Application Filing Deadline: April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST)

Job Description

Under general direction, the 1224 Principal Payroll and Personnel Clerk is responsible for supervising subordinates engaged in the preparation of employee payrolls and the maintenance of employee personnel records. 

The essential duties include:

• Plan, assign and direct the work of subordinate employees engaged in the preparation of payroll, and timekeeping information, and the preparation and maintenance of employee personnel records; train, and instruct new employees.
• Review and approve all documents relating to payroll and personnel transactions; analyze and interpret economic provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
• Serve as departmental liaison with the civil service commission, controller, retirement, health service and other offices in connection with the processing of personnel forms and records; confer with representatives of the civil service commission, controller's office, health service and retirement systems in connection with the various rules and regulations applicable to subordinate personnel.
• Prepare personal service and related budget statistics data; maintain payroll expenditure records for budget, allotment and employee requisitioning purposes.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of replies to inquiries of other city departments and outside organizations in connection with departmental personnel.

Qualifications

Four (4) years of experience preparing, calculating and maintaining payroll and/or personnel records.

Substitution:

• Completion of thirty (30) semester / forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework from an accredited college, university or business school with a minimum of twelve (12) semester / eighteen (18) quarter units of coursework in business administration, accounting, mathematics, human resources, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience; OR
• Possession of a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certificate issued by the American Payroll Association may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications. 

VERIFICATION:

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. 
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.  Applicati