A Payroll Manager manages payroll department operations and staff at a company or organization. Ensures that employee wages, salaries, benefits and deductions are calculated correctly, and that paychecks are distributed on time. Coordinates with human resources staff with regard to staff promotions and pay grades.
Director, Payroll Services College of the Canyons - 4.5 Santa Clarita, CA Job Details Part-time | Full-time $11,993 - $12,355 a month 17 hours ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Computer operation Staff supervision Team supervision Spreadsheets HR legal compliance Employee relationship building Math Productivity software Full Job Description Description Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended. The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Director, Payroll Services in the Business Services Division.
Salary Placement:
This twelve (12) month per year position will be on an individual contract. This classified administrator position will be placed on Range 15 of the Administrator Salary Schedule. Step placement is based on experience. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ( $11,993.00 / $12,172.00 / $12,355.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.
District Classified Administrator Benefits:
Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability, and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees. Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California. Who We Are The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, "Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses." These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue, and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality, and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success. Who We Want We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Under the direction of the Vice President, Business Services, the Director, Payroll Services is responsible for comprehensive and complex functions of the Payroll Services Office, including planning, organizing and directing the operation and activities of District payroll, while assuring compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Federal, State, County and District policies, and providing strategic leadership for payroll operations, including process improvement, systems optimization, and alignment with District financial and human resources objectives. Example of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plan, organize and direct the activities and operations related to District payroll functions while assuring strict timelines are met. Maintain payroll controls and ensure compliance with Federal, State, County and District laws, rules, and regulations, including California labor laws, FLSA, and applicable public sector payroll requirements. Provide leadership to the Payroll Services team. Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. Develop and prepare work schedules, coordinate duties and assignments to ensure effective operations. Participate in the selection of new personnel. Review and assist in the completion of various employee payrolls. Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement. Responsible for compliance with IRS, State, Social Security, PERS and STRS pension rules and regulations, as well as collective bargaining agreements. Coordinate the timely preparation and reconciliation of employee payroll tax deposits and quarterly reports for Federal, State, and Unemployment Insurance taxes. Oversee year end payroll operations, including the reconciliation of W-2's according to applicable laws and regulations. Audit year end records for accuracy and make corrections and adjustments as necessary, ensuring strong internal controls and audit readiness. Act as District Payroll Coordinator with Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), oversee the maintenance and operation of the Los Angeles County computerized payroll system and serve as liaison with Los Angeles County Office of Education Payroll and Retirement Sections. Create and maintain salary schedule, benefit, work calendar, job classification, work location and related tables in the LACOE Payroll system, and support system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations in collaboration with Information Technology staff. Coordinate payroll functions and operations with District departments and personnel, other educational institutions and governmental and private agencies as necessary. Direct the compilation of information and data to create various financial and statistical reports and statements. Oversee and maintain the Payroll Department's budget. Cooperate with the District's Third-Party Administrator in processing the tax-sheltered annuity (403b) plan. Administer the CalPERS deferred compensation program and oversee the compliance of the STRS Cash Balance program, including reporting and submittal of funds. Provide technical support and information to management and administrators regarding employee payroll and collective bargaining items. Provide analysis and recommendations regarding negotiated contracts. Oversee and direct the maintenance of departmental record files while maintaining the confidentiality of employee records. Ensure that district payroll records are archived according to approved procedures and ensure compliance with data privacy and information security standards. Serve as liaison between Payroll Services and Human Resources to ensure compatibility with the related departmental functions, including leave calendars, health & welfare benefits, and employee data. Ensure employee withholdings, voluntary and statutory, are remitted accurately and on time and partner with Human Resources to support employee lifecycle processes and position control alignment. Confer with MIS and computer technical staff to coordinate efforts and enhance the College's ERP automated systems and reporting capabilities, including the maintenance of employee leave balances through the Online Leave System and manual processes and promote automation and process efficiencies where possible. Comply with external requirements and actions affecting payroll such as wage garnishments and
STRS / PERS
regulations and adjustments. Advise appropriate staff regarding the necessary procedures. Prepare responses to court or arbitration orders for payroll data. Compile data required for Public Records Act requests. Participate in organizing, streamlining, recommending and establishing appropriate procedures and controls for the efficient operation and security of the Payroll Office. Ensure compliance with collective bargaining contracts for payroll requirements. Oversee and coordinate the remittance of employee voluntary deductions and the establishment of automatic payroll deposits Maintain knowledge of Federal, State, PERS and STRS regulations pertaining to payroll. Participate in workshops, seminars and training to remain current on applicable laws and procedures. Provide updates and recommendations for changes in policy and/or procedure as needed to reflect current laws and practices. Establish desk procedures to document best practices. Participate in new employee orientation regarding payroll information. Answer questions and provide information to employees, other colleges and organizations regarding Payroll services ensuring a high level of customer service and responsiveness. Serve as a member of the Business Services and District administrative teams. Attend various meetings as required or requested, including board meetings. Participate in District committees, as assigned. Participate in Professional Development opportunities. Provide staff assistance to independent auditors during Interim and Annual District audits. Provide documentation, information and other backup materials for audits by other regulatory agencies, e.g. IRS, STRS, etc. Lead or support payroll-related system implementations, upgrades, and testing activities. Ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll data through reconciliation, validation, and internal controls. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF
Applicable laws, rulings, procedures, policies, educational codes and FLSA regulations regarding payroll and retirement procedures and reporting. General accounting financial controls and principles. District management and bargaining unit contracts. Computer applications used in payroll processing. Spreadsheet, database and word processing software. Supervisory techniques and practices. California labor laws and public sector payroll regulations. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and payroll system integrations. Data analysis, reporting tools, and internal control frameworks
ABILITY TO
Effectively present information and appropriately respond through proper channels to questions from groups of administrators and other employees, students, and the general public. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and community. Effectively lead and supervise Payroll staff and temporary workers. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Work as part of the Business Services and larger college administrative team. Work independently with little direction while meeting strict payroll schedules and timelines. Organize and function efficiently in a setting with multiple priorities and tight deadlines. Work effectively and demonstrate knowledge of computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services. Read, analyze, interpret, apply and explain contracts, laws, rules, regulations, policies and technical procedures. Prepare complex technical reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals related to payroll and benefits. Effectively navigate complex processes, streamlining when necessary. Calculate and reconcile payroll and benefit amounts and deductions. Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. Lead departmental changes and implement process improvements. Qualities of a
Successful Community College Leader:
Every administrator with the College is expected to be: Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success. Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change. Capable of building strong teams. Motivated to establish urgency for improvement. Able to plan lasting internal change. Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement. Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action. Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations. Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals. Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success. A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications. A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college's strategic goals. A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility. Qualifications and Minimum Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (120 semester units) or higher from an accredited college or university with emphasis in business administration, accounting or related field. Two additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of one year (30 semester units) of college coursework for a maximum substitution of four additional years of experience for two years (60 semester units) of college.
Experience:
Five (5) years full-time equivalent progressively responsible payroll and benefits experience is required. At least three (3) years full-time equivalent of supervisory/management experience is required.
Desirable Qualifications:
At least five (5) years of supervisory/management experience. Previous experience working in an educational institution, preferably a community college setting. Knowledge of a computerized payroll system. Knowledge of an administrative computer information management system (preferably Colleague). Experience with CalPERS and CalSTRS reporting requirements.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling; handling and working with various materials and objects; frequently exert 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor. Incumbents may be exposed to occasional contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals; and travel from site-to-site.
Further Details Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109. Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member. Board of Trustees approval. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Ability to maintain a flexible work week with hours that may vary. Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.
OTHER POSITION SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Due to the nature of the workload cycle in the department, use of vacation and discretionary days will be limited each year from June 1 through August 31 due to fiscal year end close activities. Payroll is a bi-weekly process with limited flexibility three (3) days, every two (2) weeks. Use of vacation and discretionary days will also be limited during fiscal audit periods. Prior approval of vacation and discretionary days is required. The normal hours of work for this 12-month Classified Management position will be 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. However, some flexibility such as evenings and weekends will be required to meet the needs of the department.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427. About the
District:
Why Work at College of the Canyons? College of the Canyons (COC) is a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Santa Clarita, California, and is dedicated to fostering student success in a dynamic and inclusive environment. Serving over 37,000 students across two campuses, COC offers more than 275 degree and certificate programs and is known for its strong transfer pathways, award-winning workforce programs, and innovative initiatives like Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) and the Canyons Promise program, which provides two years of free education for new full-time students. As a regional leader in innovation, equity, and community engagement, the college partners with over 100 organizations and has secured millions in grants and workforce development funding. Its students regularly transfer to top UC schools, win national scholarships, and contribute to projects reaching as far as NASA. With new facilities like the Takeda Science Center, an Intercultural Center, and robust University Center partnerships offering bachelor's and graduate degrees, COC continues to grow its impact. Faculty and staff are driven by a shared commitment to teaching excellence, respect, creativity, and meaningful community connections, all in a vibrant Southern California setting.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online.
Please visit our website athttp:
//www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661) 362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661) 362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application. All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the review date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite 360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355. The following application materials are required for your application to be complete: Online District
CLASSIFIED
Application form. Current detailed resume , summarizing education and experience. Please include month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer. Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provide specific details and examples of your direct experience in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position. Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded . Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities. Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application. Supplemental Questionnaire. Please provide detailed answers to the following questions as part of your application packet. Do you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in business administration, accounting, or a related field? (yes/no) If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Describe your work experience in payroll and benefits, including your roles and progression of responsibilities. Include employer name(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (hours per week). Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in payroll and benefits and describe the scope, complexity, and volume of payroll operations you have managed (e.g., number of employees, multiple bargaining units, or public sector environments). Please describe any experience you may have working in an educational institution, especially a community college setting or in a public sector organization with complex payroll regulations and reporting requirements. Please describe your supervisory/management experience, including your experience in training and evaluating the performance of your staff, leading teams through change, and implementing process improvements. Please describe your experience working with an administrative computer information management system (such as Datatel, Colleague, Banner, or PeopleSoft) or a proprietary system including any experience with ERP system implementations, upgrades, integrations, reporting tools, or automation of payroll processes. Describe your experience ensuring compliance with federal and California payroll laws and regulations, including but not limited to IRS requirements, FLSA, CalPERS, CalSTRS, wage garnishments, and collective bargaining agreements. Provide specific examples of how you ensured compliance or addressed complex issues. Describe your experience working collaboratively with Human Resources, Budget, and/or Finance departments. How have you ensured alignment between payroll, benefits, and employee data and fiscal systems? Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural environment. Why do you want to work as the "Director, Payroll Services" at College of the Canyons and how does your experience align with serving a diverse community college environment? Letters of Reference are optional Please note: Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required. Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. A presentation may be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview. "Experience" generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name, and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed. Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience. Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant. Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s) . Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact: Human Resources Office (661) 362-3427 TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form. Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. This Director will be working on the Valencia campus. This is not a remote position. The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of October 12, 2026, and October 19, 2026, conduct final interviews between the weeks of October 19, 2026, and October 26, 2026. This is an estimated timeline and is subject to change. Positions are offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.