Job Details

Director of Payroll

Position Number: 9759820
Location: Merced, United States
Position Type: Business and Financial Management

Director of Payroll

Salary: $89,166.00 - $138,491.00 Annually
Job Type: Management
Job Number: 20260813
Closing: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM 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. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:

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
Controller

SALARY SCHEDULE
Management Range 9
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience
Additional compensation for doctorate

Examples 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 to Apply:

Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd

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.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.

Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Interview Information:
Those applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to appear for oral interviews before a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be invited to interviews. Interviews will be scheduled on site.

Employee Benefits:
Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office. Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5444898/director-of-payroll