Program Analyst - Fiscal Services Department (Payroll)

SAN-Jose-Unified-School-District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

San José Unified School District invites applications for a Program Analyst on the Payroll team within the Fiscal Services Department. You will help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time by processing timesheets, coordinating benefit payments, and resolving payroll inquiries across departments and school sites.

You will collaborate with HR and Finance, maintain compliant records, support reporting, and contribute to process improvements while upholding district policies and SB 848

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in payroll, accounting, or financial operations.
• Experience processing payroll and supporting payroll functions in large or complex organizations.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, including timesheets, deductions, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll and financial systems or ERP systems.
• Strong Excel skills for data tracking, analysis, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Processing and reviewing employee timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Supporting payroll processing for certificated, classified, and hourly employees.
• Processing and reconciling benefit-related payments and payroll deductions.
• Providing customer service and technical support to employees, departments, and school sites regarding payroll and pay-related matters.
• Researching and resolving payroll discrepancies, adjustments, and inquiries in a timely manner.
• Collaborating with Human Resources, Finance, and school sites to ensure accurate employee pay and benefits information.
• Ensuring compliance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintaining payroll records and documentation in accordance with audit and retention requirements.
• Assisting with payroll reporting, data analysis, and reconciliation activities.
• Supporting process improvement efforts to increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in payroll operations.
• Contributing to a culture of service, accountability, and professionalism within the Payroll and Business Services teams.

Skills

Payroll processing

Timesheets

Data analysis

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The impact you will have: As a Program Analyst supporting the Fiscal Services Department (Payroll), you will play a key role in ensuring that San José Unified employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. You will support payroll operations serving employees across departments and school sites by processing timesheets, coordinating benefit-related payments, and resolving payroll and pay-related inquiries. Your work directly supports employee trust, operational stability, and fiscal accountability. By applying strong analytical, organizational, and customer service skills, you help ensure payroll processes are consistent, compliant, and responsive to the needs of employees, departments, and school sites. A more detailed job description is available at: https://sjusd.box.com/v/program analyst.

Who you are:

You are a detail-oriented and analytical professional who values accuracy, consistency, and service. You communicate clearly, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where deadlines, compliance, and customer service are essential. You take pride in supporting employees and departments through reliable payroll and benefits processes.

As a Program Analyst on the Payroll team (Fiscal Services Department), you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Processing and reviewing employee timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Supporting payroll processing for certificated, classified, and hourly employees
• Processing and reconciling benefit-related payments and payroll deductions
• Providing customer service and technical support to employees, departments, and school sites regarding payroll and pay-related matters
• Researching and resolving payroll discrepancies, adjustments, and inquiries in a timely manner
• Collaborating with Human Resources, Finance, and school sites to ensure accurate employee pay and benefits information
• Ensuring compliance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintaining payroll records and documentation in accordance with audit and retention requirements
• Assisting with payroll reporting, data analysis, and reconciliation activities
• Supporting process improvement efforts to increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in payroll operations
• Contributing to a culture of service, accountability, and professionalism within the Payroll and Business Services teams

What you need for this position:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred)
• Two (2) or more years of experience in payroll, accounting, or financial operations
• Experience processing payroll and/or supporting payroll functions in a large or complex organization
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, including timesheets, deductions, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in using payroll systems, financial systems, or ERP systems
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel for data tracking, analysis, and reporting

SB 848 Child Safety & Employment Disclosure Requirement

Effective January 1, 2026, in accordance with California Senate Bill 848 (School Employee Misconduct/Child Abuse Prevention Act), applicants for employment with San José Unified are subject to enhanced child safety, training, and employment disclosure requirements.

Under SB 848, schools are required to strengthen background vetting procedures and obtain employment history information related to allegations of egregious misconduct involving students. Former employers may be contacted to release records regarding substantiated findings of misconduct as permitted by law. Failure to provide complete and accurate information regarding prior educational employment or relevant misconduct findings may result in disqualification from the hiring process or withdrawal of an offer of employment.

SB 848 also expands mandated reporter requirements and requires annual child abuse prevention training for employees and certain volunteers by July 1, 2026. All employees must comply with district-adopted child safety policies, including procedures for supervising and protecting students.

San José Unified is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and will review all disclosures and employment records in accordance with state law.

When will you hear back from us: Within seven days of applying, we will inform you if you will be moving forward in our hiring process and share next steps. If there is a delayed response, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail].

Note to internal applicants:

• Even though we may have some information on file for you, we encourage you to submit a letter of introduction highlighting your qualifications and interest in this role, as well as any other information you would like to share.Where applicable, please also note which available location you are applying to.
• To be eligible to interview, you will need to be in good evaluation standing.