Payroll and Benefits Analyst (Administrative Analyst/Specialist, Non-Exempt)

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Reporting to and under general supervision from the Human Resources Manager, and taking additional lead work direction from the Director of Payroll and Benefits and other members of the Payroll and Benefits management team, the incumbent provides support for a variety of day-to-day administrative and technical duties requiring knowledge of Payroll and Benefits methods and procedures in order to provide support for the campus community in analyzing and processing complex Payroll and Benefits information . The incumbent has full responsibility to exercise sound judgment and independently initiate, process, and complete a diverse range of moderately complex transactions in order to appoint, separate or change the pay and Benefits status of various categories of University employees. These tasks routinely involve the ability to analyze data to make accurate projections and rely on the incumbent possessing a comprehensive knowledge of procedures, precedents and policies to review and analyze collective bargaining agreements to ensure individuals are accurately paid. The position applies an in-depth knowledge of Payroll and Benefits to support the daily functions, including Time and Labor, Absence Management, Payroll Information Management System (PIMS), Benefits Administration and all other Payroll/Benefits software products. In this role the incumbent supports projects relating to PeopleSoft, providing Payroll and benefit perspective and interacting and supporting various functional support groups. The incumbent also provides assistance to the Leave Specialist with support for the Leave of Absence process as it pertains to analyzing leave credit availability and requesting applicable pay from the State Controller's Office (SCO).

Key Qualifications

This position requires experience sufficient to clearly demonstrate possession of the general knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position as detailed above, including knowledge and demonstrated experience with payroll business practices, procedures and system analysis techniques. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience including 2-4 years of Payroll and Benefits knowledge, preferably within higher education. Public sector and CSU/PIMS/PeopleSoft specific payroll experience highly preferred. Working knowledge of the applications and operations of the PIMS/PeopleSoft computer systems, PIMS Manual guidelines and application of system(s) from the user standpoint is preferred. Experience participating in the implementation of a business process in a functional or technical role that incorporates or is supported by a technological solution is also preferred. Ability to identify and analyze user or system problems; possession of excellent oral and written communication skills; strong technical skills including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google (Sheets, Dpc and Gmail) is required. Ability to clearly and concisely explain complex Payroll and benefit related policies, procedures and regulations to customers and other staff members; research and resolve discrepancies and problems with payroll data; establish and maintain effective, inclusive and cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of duties; develop and deliver effective institutional presentations; and evaluate and utilize a variety of training methods is required.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $3,518 to $4,324 a month. This is a full time, non-exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid-compliance-and-monitoring-office.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/resources/fire-safety. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.