"Payroll Analyst (Hybrid)"

Payroll Analyst (Hybrid)

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $ 27.23/hr - $34.04/hr .

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a hybrid schedule (minimum 1 day onsite).
This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around February 3, 2026.

About the Job

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor Staff & Student WFA & Payroll Administration, the Staff and Student Payroll Administration Analyst plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the university's payroll processes within the UCPATH Systems. Responsible for performing direct entries related to One-time pay, additional pay, final pay, and other elements within the university payroll framework, the analyst also facilitates funding salary cost transfers for meticulous financial tracking. With a keen eye for detail, this role involves administering timesheets, entering overpayment requests in compliance with regulatory guidelines, and conducting payroll check reconciliations to promptly resolve discrepancies. The analyst collaborates with cross-functional teams to test systems and processes, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the university payroll system. Moreover, the position requires interpreting complex pay policies and staying informed about industry trends, ensuring accurate calculations and deductions while providing exemplary customer service to address inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues for university employees. The Staff and Student Payroll Administration Analyst actively participates in shaping and enhancing payroll processes tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the dynamic field of university payroll administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform direct entry into UCPATH Systems for Pay Administration including: One-time pay, additional pay, final pay and within the university payroll framework. Interprets pay policies (for example, vacation, leave of absence, disability, workers compensation, union contracts, government regulations, withholding exemptions, et cetera), and ensures appropriate amounts / deductions are calculated and applied to the various accounts correctly.
• Facilitate funding salary cost transfers (direct retro) entries for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Administer timesheets, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to university policies.
• Enter overpayment requests into UCPATH processes in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Perform payroll check reconciliation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the university payroll system to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test systems and processes, ensuring their effectiveness and compliance. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll processes tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions. Stay informed about industry trends and advancements, particularly in university payroll practices.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving payroll-related issues for university employees.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related area.
• AND
• 1 year of directly related experience.
• Or
• 5 years equivalent related experience/education.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE

• Functional understanding of financial principles and practices, particularly in facilitating funding salary cost transfers for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll processes, including administering timesheets, entering overpayment requests, performing payroll check reconciliation, and interpreting complex pay policies such as vacation, leave of absence, and union contracts.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and government regulations related to payroll administration, ensuring compliance when entering overpayment requests and interpreting pay policies.
• Proven ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives within the university payroll system to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to provide superior customer service, addressing inquiries, and resolving payroll-related issues for university employees in a timely and professional manner.
• Experience working in Enterprise Solutions (HRMS, Timekeeping platforms) to perform pay administration direct entries and timekeeping functions.
• Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams in testing systems and processes, as well as adaptability to stay informed about industry trends and advancements in university payroll practices for continuous improvement initiatives tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions.
• Knowledge of Payroll Personnel Policy for the University of California (PPSM).
• Experience working with union related payroll compliance complexities. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and perform direct entries within UCPATH Systems for various pay administration tasks, including one-time pay, additional pay, and final pay. (Preferred)