Payroll Specialist (Confidential Assistant III)

Job Description:

Payroll Specialist (Confidential Assistant III)

Description

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) is seeking a detail-oriented and resourceful Payroll Analyst to support the department’s payroll operations through accurate timekeeping review, payroll processing and related administrative and analytical support. This position plays a key role in providing accurate and timely payroll support to department leadership and staff within a complex, highly regulated public sector behavioral health environment.

In this role, you will support payroll, data analysis, HR operations, and department-wide initiatives that require strong attention to compliance, accuracy, and follow-through. You will interpret and apply HR policies, labor agreements, and employment laws; conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and County standards; and support HR data tracking, reporting, and analysis to ensure operational consistency and audit readiness.

This position is ideal for a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated environment, demonstrates strong organizational and project coordination skills, and is able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and sound judgment. The successful candidate will have experience in payroll processing and HR operations with strong attention to compliance, confidentiality, and effective communication.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
Oral Examination: Week of August 10, 2026

To learn more about Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, https://www.stancounty.com/bhrs/ .

THE POSITION

The Confidential Assistant III is the advance journey-level class in this series. This classification requires the ability to work independently, performing the more complex, highly skilled and responsible clerical assignments. These duties reflect a greater degree of responsibility than those found in Level I or II. Independent judgement and initiative in making decisions in accordance with established guidelines is required. Promotes a professional image by the efficient performance of a variety of business and clerical tasks designed to facilitate the smooth flow of work throughout the department. Some positions provide lead directions to other staff members by distributing work assignments, interpreting and disseminating instructions, evaluating work products, and providing necessary training.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Israel Zigala at (209) 501-9803 or [email protected].

Typical Tasks

• Accurately apply laws, regulations, memorandum of understanding (MOU) policies and procedures pertaining to payroll and leaves of absence;
• Complete department level payroll processing within strict deadlines;
• Process employee and payroll related data (Personnel Action Forms, Direct Deposit, W-4, payroll adjustments, etc.) with a high degree of accuracy;
• Respond to income verification requests timely;
• Monitor and track employee leave balances;
• Process employee medical leave calculations utilizing Microsoft Excel;
• Administer and coordinate complex payroll functions under minimal supervision;
• Compile and maintain statistical payroll information;
• Process documents and correspondence of a confidential nature;
• Gather and summarize data and prepare payroll reports;
• Maintain file systems, this includes hard copy files as well as electronic file management;
• Enter, update, and maintain employee and payroll information in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and other databases;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll-related matters by providing accurate, courteous and professional customer service;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees and supervisors regarding payroll policies and procedures;
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and research/resolve payroll related errors timely;
• Coordinate with other County departments on payroll-related matters;
• Develop and provide payroll related training to department staff; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE

• Administrative and office procedures
• Business English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional correspondence
• Timekeeping software
• Payroll processing cycles
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Processing payroll adjustments (leave accrual rules, cash-out procedures, etc.)
• Records retention requirements
• Microsoft Office and HRIS Software

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Processing and auditing payroll transactions, timecards, and pay actions for accuracy and compliance
• Managing competing priorities and meeting strict pay period deadlines
• Maintaining accurate payroll records with a high level of attention to detail
• Preparing clear, professional correspondence and payroll reports
• Exercising discretion and sound judgment with confidential payroll information

• Providing courteous, professional customer service to employees and the public

• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise independent judgment
• Analyze payroll discrepancies, identify root causes, and recommend solutions
• Learn and apply County payroll policies, wage and hour regulations, and MOU provisions
• Work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals at all organizational levels
• Adapt to shifting priorities and payroll cycle demands
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across the departments
• Demonstrate initiative, integrity, and accountability in handling sensitive compensation data

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

PATTERN I

• Three (3) years of journey-level clerical experience.

PATTERN II

• Two (2) years of journey-level clerical experience AND
• 30 semester units in relevant college coursework or business school training.

PATTERN Ill

• One (1) year of journey-level clerical experience; AND
• 60 semester units in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Progressively responsible experience as listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-6112 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• At least one (1) year experience processing payroll in a human relations management system (HRMS).

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Unclassified Service of the County and considered “at will” for labor relations purposes. The individual selected will participate in the Stanislaus County Pay-for-Performance program, as well as receive additional benefits.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website athttp://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$50,294.40 - $75,462.40 Annually