Payroll Systems Specialist

Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Probationary 

Job Classification: Confidential Administrative Support II 

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,687 - $7,137 per month 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, unless otherwise notified 

Recruitment Closing Date: December 8, 2025

THE DEPARTMENT:

Payroll Services is responsible for updating and maintaining personnel and employment data, leave accounting, and time and attendance records, as well as processing all types of pay for all categories of state-side CSU employees. Payroll data is maintained in both the State Controller's Office's (SCO) Personnel Information Management System (PIMS) and the campus' PeopleSoft 9.0 database. Payroll Services ensures compliance with CSU policies, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws and regulations while providing customer-focused support to the university community. The department manages payroll processes related to employee pay, leaves of absence, Workers' Compensation, Time and Labor, Absence Management, Workforce Administration, and CalPERS enrollment. The department engages in system implementations, such as the conversion from PeopleSoft 9.0 to the Common Human Resources System (CHRS 9.2). Payroll Services collaborates closely with other units within the Employee and Organizational Development and Advancement/Human Resources Operations (EODA/HR Ops) department to support comprehensive employee services and operational alignment across human resources systems and functions. Payroll Services directly contributes to EODA/HR Ops' mission by fostering a positive employee experience through accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CHRS Implementation, Testing, and Support:

• Serve as the Payroll Services SME for CHRS modules including Time and Labor (TL), Absence Management (AM), and Workforce Administration (WA).
• Participate in systemwide and campus CHRS meetings, implementation discussions, and module updates. Represent Payroll Services and the campus in CHRS, CMS, and Subcommittee meetings, providing input, feedback, and recommendations on system updates and implementations.
• Assist in CHRS project planning, data standardization, testing, and go-live activities. Conduct system testing, troubleshooting, and data validation in collaboration with the Director of Payroll and Benefits Services, Payroll Managers, WA analysts, Payroll Technicians, and HRIS and IT support.
• This may include collaboration with other module owners and testers to understand and communicate how payroll modules interact with related systems such as Benefits Administration (Ben Admin) and Temporary Academic Employment (TAE) modules.
• Identify and resolve data discrepancies between PeopleSoft 9.0/CHRS 9.2 and the SCO’s PIMS system; assist in data cleanup and auditing efforts.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of CHRS-related procedures, documentation, and training materials.

Time and Labor (TL) and Absence Management (AM):

• Serve as SME for the TL and AM modules, managing and monitoring day-to-day functionality to ensure accurate processing of time and attendance data.
• Evaluate and implement TL and AM policies and procedures, ensuring alignment across Payroll Services and campus departments.
• Maintain TL and AM and Group Calendar programs; oversee system updates and ensure proper functionality during maintenance periods.
• Analyze and evaluate production data, troubleshoot system issues, and recommend process improvements.
• Test CHRS-related system changes and provide detailed feedback and solutions in collaboration with the IT support team.
• Develop, maintain, and update training materials and process documentation for campus users.
• Provide support, guidance, and training to Timekeepers and Approvers regarding time reporting, pay, and attendance policies.
• Assess and evaluate the impact of implementing TL, AM, and CHRS policies and procedures; provide input and recommendations to management on related issues.
• Maintain TL and AM configuration tables for campus calendars, oversee alternate work schedules, and manage calendar/fiscal year-end procedures.
• Analyze, maintain, and evaluate daily operations of TL and AM particularly during system maintenance changes and fixes.
• Download, maintain, and reconcile Excel data files supporting TL and AM functions; prepare and analyze reports for accuracy and compliance, and provide to the Payroll team for review.
• Develop and maintain business process guides (SOPs), training materials, and procedural documentation.
• Test and review PeopleSoft 9.0/CHRS 9.2 releases and u