Director of Payroll

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Payroll to oversee the District's payroll operations, lead a dedicated team of professionals, ensure compliance with complex payroll laws and reporting requirements, and drive continuous improvement through technology and process innovation. This position is ideal for a customer-focused leader who is committed to operational excellence, collaboration, and supporting the employees who make student success possible. Join us in advancing educational opportunity and strengthening our community through service, integrity, and fiscal responsibility.

As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college — we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California’s Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

Merced College Mission

At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision

Enriching Our Community Through Educational Experiences And Support Services

• Degree/Certificate Programs
• Transfer
• Career Technical Education
• Workforce Training
• Lifelong Learning
• Basic Skills
• Community Engagement

Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

General Description

This is a classified management position. The incumbent reports directly to the Director, Business & Fiscal Services and oversees the day-to-day functions of the payroll office. The incumbent will independently perform professional work involving judgement in the interpretation and application of payroll-related policy and procedure, as well as applicable state and federal laws. The incumbent has a high frequency of responsible contact with administrative and professional staff and with other public agencies.

REPORTS TO

Director, Business & Fiscal Services

SALARY SCHEDULE

Management Range 9

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Additional Compensation For Doctorate

Examples of Duties

Representative Duties

• Plan, coordinate and recommend payroll procedures, processes, and disbursements under the direction of the Director
• Plan, prioritize, supervise, and evaluate the work of the payroll staff; provide training and developmental support as needed
• Maintain records and update employee wage garnishments, levies, and assignments
• Reconcile and direct the timely preparation of reports to STRS and PERS
• Supervise the preparation, maintenance and processing of the District payroll
• Reconcile and make direct deposits in payroll accounts
• Communicate with a variety of offices on campus and outside agencies
• Provide technical direction to support staff conducting various payroll activities; investigate and resolve complex or unusual payroll problems, which may require specialized research or analysis
• Make deposits for taxes and retirement in a timely manner
• Reconcile and direct the timely reporting of payroll taxes to the proper agencies
• Process and balance W-2 information
• Maximize technology functionality to ensure the payroll system is fully optimized
• Recommend payroll system enhancements to comply with laws, regulations, tax requirements, reporting procedures, accounting policies, union agreements, and organizational needs
• Develop, recommend and revise payroll policies and procedures
• Review and analyze proposed legislation affecting payroll issues
• Assist with testing and implementing new software programs or upgrades
• Prepare, audit and submit forms related to the Affordable Healthcare Act
• Attend and participate in various meetings and serves on committees and acts as a liaison to District staff and outside agencies on payroll related issues
• Monitor and audit the accuracy and integrity of all payrolls, benefit health cost premiums, mandated benefit costs and balances payroll transactions to the general ledger
• Coordinate with Human Resources to oversee billing and invoicing processes for health, dental, and other employee benefits
• Other related duties as assigned

Knowledge of

• Regulations, policies, and standards governing payroll and benefit processes
• Methods, practices, and terminology used in payroll and financial record keeping
• Federal, state and local reporting requirements relating to payroll processes including FLSA, California Education Code, STRS, PERS, and other programs and laws related to payroll records and benefit programs
• Best practices in customer service/care

Ability to

• Effectively manage and oversee a complex payroll process
• Type and operate calculating machines and computers.
• Make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Give explicit, understandable directions to others and to work cooperatively with others
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an acceptable accredited institution in business administration, accounting or closely related field AND three (3) years of increasingly responsible and relevant experience OR the equivalent education and experience directly related to payroll management.
• AND evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students

License or Certificate:

A valid California Class “C” driver’s license. Travel to locations throughout the District may be required.

Desired Qualifications

Master’s degree from an acceptable accredited institution in business administration, accounting, or a closely related field or the equivalent.

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical Ability To

• Hear and understand speech at normal levels
• Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
• Read printed matter and computer screens
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, and pull
• Reach in all directions
• Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard

Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Employee Benefits

Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee’s only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition Of Employment

The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.

Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

MANAGEMENT

Health Benefits

The cost is $12.00 per month for 10 months each year, with no deductions in June and July. This amount covers the following services, provided that members use Plan providers:

• Medical (Anthem Blue Cross) $100 deductible for each family member or $300 deductible per family paid by employee each calendar year. 100% coverage after deductible is paid (except for emergency room visits which cost $100 unless the person is admitted to the hospital).
• Prescription (Navitus) Pharmacy costs are $3.00 for up to a 30-day supply of generic medications and a $15.00 co-payment for brand-name medications; at Costco, a 30-day supply of generic medications and a 90-day supply by mail are $0.00, while brand-name medications cost $15.00 for a 30-day supply and $35.00 for a 90-day supply.
• Dental (Delta Dental - Incentive Plan)
  • Plan pays 70% the first calendar year that the plan is used
  • 80% paid second year
  • 90% paid third year
  • 100% paid fourth year
  • 100% will be paid each year thereafter unless member does not visit the dentist each year for cleanings/check-ups.
  • $1,500 lifetime maximum for each enrollee.
• Vision (VSP) $5.00 co-pay for exam every calendar year. The plan pays $150 for frames, anything over $150 is paid by the member. Single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses are covered in full.
• $50,000 life insurance policy on employee
• Short-term and long-term disability.

Retirement

• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
  • Classic members - 7% and the college pays 26.68%.
  • New members (PEPRA) – 8% and the college pays 26.68%.
• State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
  • Members prior to 1/1/13 – 10.250% and the college pays 19.10%
  • Members after 1/1/13 – 10.205% and the college pays 19.10%
  • The District and the employee do NOT pay into Social Security

Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave

• Holidays: 11 paid plus 5 days during Christmas.
• Vacation: 2 days per month.
• Sick: 12 days per year each fiscal year.