Payroll Administrator

Join our team as a Payroll Administrator! Santa Margarita Water District

is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Payroll Administrator to support the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for all District employees. This role ensures employees are paid correctly, supports payroll tax reporting, coordinates benefit-related calculations, and partners closely with both Finance and Human Resources as the District continues to improve and modernize payroll operations. The position may transition into the Human Resources team in the future as payroll functions evolve.

The Payroll Administrator handles end-to-end payroll processing in a unionized public sector environment and maintains a high standard of accuracy, confidentiality, and service. The position works with minimal supervision and applies strong analytical skills to ensure compliance with federal, state, labor agreement, and CalPERS requirements. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving processes, collaborating across departments, and supporting a positive employee experience.

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. The District employs approximately 320 employees and operates with one represented bargaining unit.

- Exemplary service excellence

- Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive

- Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency

- Environmental and resource stewardship

- Employee development and leadership training

- Building relationships that strengthen communities

What You Will Do

- Process payroll for all District employees and review, audit, and enter payroll data with accuracy.

- Administer changes in pay, deductions, taxes, retirement contributions, and benefit-related adjustments in accordance with MOUs and labor agreements.

- Perform payroll calculations including overtime, leave accruals, retroactive adjustments, premium pay, and final pay.

- Reconcile payroll records, general ledger accounts, benefit statements, and retirement system reports.

- Ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, tax regulations, collective bargaining agreements, CalPERS rules, and District policies.

- Prepare payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end documents such as W-2s.

- Provide responsive and knowledgeable support to employees and departments regarding payroll questions and procedures.

- Support salary and benefit data needs for budgeting, forecasting, and audits.

- Assist with payroll system updates, testing, automation efforts, and process improvements.

- Maintain accurate payroll documentation and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.

- Collaborate with Human Resources as payroll processes integrate more closely with the District’s HR functions.

What You Bring

- A strong commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service.

- Ability to interpret and apply payroll laws, labor agreements, policies, and procedures.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.

- Hands-on experience with ADP, Tyler Munis, or similar payroll systems and HRIS platforms.

- Proficiency with spreadsheets and business software.

- Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

Education And Experience

- High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Coursework in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is preferred.

- Several years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a unionized and/or public sector environment.

- Experience with ADP and Tyler Munis is highly desirable.

- Familiarity with CalPERS reporting is strongly preferred.

- Payroll certifications are helpful but not required.

- Experience in the public sector is preferable.Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification, or equivalent, is desirable.

To view the full job description click here: Payroll Administrator Job Description