Payroll Administrator – Public Sector: Process & Compliance

Santa Margarita Water District; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to process payroll for all District employees, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. The role supports payroll tax reporting, coordinates benefit calculations, and collaborates with Finance and Human Resources as payroll operations modernize.

The position offers stability within a public sector environment with opportunities to grow into HR.

Qualifications

• Several years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a unionized or public sector environment.
• Experience with ADP WFN is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with CalPERS reporting is strongly preferred.
• Payroll certifications are helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for all district employees with accuracy.
• Audit and enter payroll data, review changes in pay and deductions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, labor agreements, and CalPERS rules.
• Provide responsive payroll support to employees and departments.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and audits related to payroll.
• Collaborate with Finance and HR as payroll evolves with the District.

Skills

ADP WFN

Payroll software

Excel

HRIS systems

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Accounting coursework

Tools

ADP WFN

Excel

Job description

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to process payroll for all District employees, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. The role supports payroll tax reporting, coordinates benefit calculations, and collaborates with Finance and Human Resources as payroll operations modernize.

The position offers stability within a public sector environment with opportunities to grow into HR.