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EDJOIN
Director of Payroll
Career Insights for Payroll Accountant
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Payroll Accountant organizes and maintains payroll records and makes employment-related tax payments for a company and its employees. Calculates employee paychecks and tax and benefit withholding amounts. Completes reports on employee compensation. Reviews payroll and tax documents as needed for audits.
$81,614 / year median in California
+0% projected growth
Job Description
Director of Payroll at Merced Community College Print Application Deadline 9/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 8/14/2026 Contact Britney Ramirez (209) 381-6550 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 89,166.00
- 138,491.
Essential Elements:
Print Director of Payroll Salary:
$89,166.00- $138,491.
Annually Job Type:
Management Job Number:
20260813Closing:
9/2/2026 11:59PM Pacific Location:
Merced College, CA Department:
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.
- 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
ControllerSALARY SCHEDULE
Management Range 9 Salary will be commensurate with education and experience Additional compensation for doctorateExamples 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. Supplemental Information How toApply:
- Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.
Required Documentation:
- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
- Resume
- List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
- Legible unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
Diversity Statement:
The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe your leadership efforts and professional experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a work setting. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.- If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.