District Manager, Payroll

Classification Title :

District Manager, Payroll

Job Title :

District Manager, Payroll

Position Number : DEM992

Location : District Services

Department : District Payroll

Percentage of Employment :

100%

Months of Employment :

12 Months Per Year

Work Schedule :

Monday – Friday, 8 : 00 am – 5 : 00 pm (However, some flexibility such as evenings and weekends will be required to meet the needs of the department.)

About Us : : ABOUT US

Do you strive to make a difference in higher education? Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity to be a part of our students’ educational success and lifelong learning? If so, we invite you to join North Orange County Community College District. The District is renowned as one of the best two-year college districts in California. Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) serves approximately 60,000 students annually at three institutions : Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education. Students are able to shape their futures in programs leading to associate degrees, a baccalaureate degree, career education certificates, and transfer opportunities. Life-long learning is also possible in continuing education programs that range from high school completion and basic skills mastery through an array of career education training and self-developed courses. The district’s geographic boundaries encompass 155 square miles, taking in most of north Orange County and a small portion of Los Angeles County. The district’s service area includes 18 cities and communities and 16 school districts. The NOCCCD campuses serve an area of over one million diverse people. The student population demographics, district-wide are : Latinx 47.2%; Asian 17.9%; White; 16.5%; African American 2.6%; Multi-Ethnicity 2.6%; Pacific Islander 0.3%; and America Indian / Alaskan Native 0.2%. The district is part of a regional higher education community that includes the California State University campuses at Fullerton and Long Beach, the University of California Irvine, and the Chapman University system.

The District is seeking to hire an innovative and collaborative District Manager, Payroll that will help the department increase operational efficiencies and lead the payroll team. The team is comprised of two (2) Payroll Leads and four (4) Payroll Specialists. The department currently process two (2) classified payrolls and one (1) certificated payroll each month averaging about 3,800 employees monthly.

This position has a tentative start date of January 2026 to allow cross-training with the current manager who will be retiring in February 2026.

What We Offer : : WHAT WE OFFER

• 100% employee medical premium coverage and a contribution toward dependent coverage (up to $11,359.32 for one dependent or $18,174.84 for two or more dependents annually)
• Fringe allowance to be used at employee’s discretion ($2,646.10 annually)
• Voluntary (Medical / Dependent Day Care) Flexible Spending Account
• $50,000 life insurance benefit
• Deferred Compensation Program (403(b) / 457 plans)
• Retirement Pension Plan ( CalSTRS / CalPERS )
• Abundant Professional Growth & Development opportunities (Receive up to $3,500 annually)
• 20 paid holidays + Paid vacation
• Cumulative sick leave
• Flexible / Hybrid Work Program : 3 days in office / 2 days remote (Management approval required; may vary by Department / Position)
• Summer schedule (exceptions apply)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Environment that fosters diversity and inclusion
• Progressive and innovative culture
• Opportunity to participate in various Faculty & Staff Associations

Primary Purpose : PRIMARY PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Fiscal Affairs, this position is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the District’s centralized payroll operations and activities, including the processing of certificated, classified and hourly employee payrolls.

Essential Functions :

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Examples of essential functions are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature.

Job Description : JOB DESCRIPTION

Plans, directs and coordinates centralized District payroll operations and activities in accordance with District policies, procedures and objectives; develops and implements plans and policies to facilitate and improve payroll services and operations.

Assures compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including federal Internal Revenue Service, State Franchise Tax Board, Social Security Administration, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and State Teachers Retirement System (STRS); assures compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreement contract provisions.

Establishes payroll schedules and calendars to meet statutory, regulatory, and collective bargaining agreement requirements and County Office of Education procedures; maintains strict payroll controls, schedules and deadlines; coordinates the processing of voluntary employee payroll deductions, wage garnishments and automatic payroll deposits.

Assures proper application, calculation and reporting of compensation, benefits and taxes; prepares and reconciles quarterly reports for federal and state taxes and unemployment insurance; reconciles and audits W-2 forms for accuracy; makes corrections and adjustments as necessary.

Directs and participates in the entry, updating and auditing of a variety of payroll data in assigned Human Resources / Payroll computer systems; extracts and audits data, develops spreadsheets from queries and generates a variety of computerized records and reports related to payroll activities.

Coordinates payroll functions and operations with District Human Resources, Risk Management and other District departments and personnel as necessary; coordinates activities related to personnel, workers’ compensation and fringe benefits to assure compatibility with payroll functions.

Maintains communication with District and college personnel, governmental agencies and various outside organizations to exchange information, resolve conflicts and issues and coordinate the activities of assigned programs and activities; serves as a technical resource in providing recommendations and information regarding payroll functions and activities.

Directs and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of financial and statistical information and reports related to payroll activities; compiles information and data to create various financial and statistical reports and statements; assures accurate and timely completion and submission of reports; direct the maintenance of departmental record files; maintain confidentiality of employee records.

Trains, supervises, evaluates and directs the work of personnel as assigned; participates in selection and hiring processes.

Organizes, attends, or chairs a variety of meetings as required; serves on committees and special projects as assigned; coordinates programs and services as appropriate with other District and college personnel.

Plans, organizes and arranges appropriate training and staff development activities; provides orientation for new employees.

Learns and applies emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.

Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of the disabilities and diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Provide leadership in District / College efforts to increase the diversity of faculty and staff, to address student achievement gaps, and in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive work and educational environment.

Assist and promote the growth and success of a diverse population of students and employees through the development of interculturally competent and equity minded management and leadership abilities. The ideal candidate should have experience in this area with African Americans, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students and employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Working Relationships :

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The District Manager, Payroll maintains frequent contact with college and District departments and personnel, the Orange County Department of Education and other outside agencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of District organization, operations, policies and objectives

Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to payroll operations

Knowledge of Internal Revenue Service, State Franchise Tax Board, Social Security Administration, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) regulations and procedures

Knowledge of Orange County Department of Education payroll system

Knowledge of appropriate enterprise software and databases relevant to the administration of payroll functions

Knowledge of financial computer tools and software, particularly as related to statistical analysis, spreadsheets and data management and manipulation

Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

Knowledge of record keeping procedures

Ability to effectively direct and coordinate centralized payroll operations

Ability to perform complicated mathematical calculations and analyses

Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive financial reports and other documents

Ability to interpret, apply and explain laws, regulations, policies and procedures

Ability to assess, analyze, implement and evaluate research project activities

Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative in resolving problems and making recommendations

Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under stressful situations

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work

Ability to meet schedules and time lines

Ability to work independently with little direction

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions

Ability to communicate efficiently both orally and in writing

Ability to supervise, train and provide work direction to others

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Special Requirements :

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a valid driver’s license. Incumbent may be required to travel off site for business reasons. All employees driving personal, leased, or district-owned vehicles for District related activities must certify possession of a valid Driver’s License. Employees must certify that personal vehicles are covered by automobile insurance as required by California law. (Administrative Procedure 7400, Section 4.0) If selected as a finalist and / or given an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide your valid Driver’s License information. Human Resources will contact the finalist to obtain this required documentation at that phase of the recruitment.

The award of all degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript. If degree award date is not posted on transcript your application will be deemed incomplete and removed from consideration. All degrees and course work used to satisfy the required minimum qualifications must be from accredited post-secondary institutions. If selected as a finalist and / or given an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide a transcript (may be unofficial). Human Resources will contact the finalist to obtain this required documentation at that phase of the recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Three years of increasingly responsible experience in a variety of accounting and fiscal operations functions, including at least one year in a supervisory position.

Demonstrated experience with computerized financial information systems and their use in financial analysis and reporting.

Commitment to diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how their experience with these factors relates to successfully achieving the goals of the position.

Desirable Qualifications :

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with California payroll tax and public retirement systems reporting.

Experience referencing and applying collective bargaining agreement language as it relates to pay, retirement, and leave reporting.

Experience leading a team, collaborating with various departments, and implementing new systems and processes.

Experience providing guidance and training on various payroll processes and requirements.

Experience with Payroll and Human Resources systems and proficiency using Microsoft Excel.

Prior experience in approaching work and interactions with colleagues and students in an equity minded manner. Ability to provide an inclusive and welcoming work / educational environment.

Demonstrated experience ensuring equity in the duties and areas of responsibility for this position and the ability to address the needs of diverse student and / or employee populations.

Working Conditions : WORKING CONDITIONS

Office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); may require off-site duties and activities.

Salary Range :

$124,294 - $156,689 Annually

Posting Number : 2015266P

Open Date : 10 / 20 / 2025

Close Date : 11 / 10 / 2025

Special Instructions Summary :

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY

Work Schedule : District employees can apply for the Flexible / Hybrid Work Program, working a hybrid schedule of remote work and in-person each week. Approval and number of in-person days may vary by position / department. Questions regarding the work schedule may be discussed with Hiring Manager if selected as an interview candidate.

This is a designated classified management position subject to a six month probationary period.

Initial salary placement will be determined by the Office of Human Resources in accordance with Board Policy and is not negotiable. The candidate selected for employment may need to submit official transcripts, as applicable, prior to the first duty day, and will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act. NOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.

The District may choose to fill one or more positions from this recruitment within eight (8) months.

To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate “N / A” (not applicable). Do not use terms such as “see resume” or “see attached”.

The minimum required number of references for this position is three (3) and will be requested at the finalist and / or offer of employment phase of the hiring process.

All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview. At the time of the interview a written exercise and / or an oral presentation related to the assignment may be required. Subsequent to the interviews, the screening committee will select candidates for final consideration. A second interview will be required of candidates selected as finalists.

Minimum Qualifications – Experience : One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months of experience at a maximum of 40 hours per week (full time). Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for the sole purpose of meeting the experience minimum qualification (example : Twelve (12) months of part time work experience is equivalent to six (6) months full time).

Minimum Qualifications – Education : 24 units are equal to one year of education. As applicable, education must be from a regionally accredited institution and verifiable on a legible unofficial transcript.

NOCCCD offers reimbursement for candidate travel expenses. Visit here to view the administrative procedures – AP 7120-10.

Evaluations of foreign degrees and / or course work are required. See our website here for information regarding evaluation of foreign degrees.

If you would like to add additional transcripts not required by the position, you may upload them to the “Additional Transcripts” link when completing your application.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling (714) 808-4810 at least three business days in advance of the scheduled examination / interview date.