Academic Pay Administration Analyst (Contract) (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.52 - 28.00.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Hybrid Schedule with 2 days onsite presence required.

This position will be a 2-year contract and is eligible for full UC benefits.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around April 7th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor Academic WFA & Payroll Administration, the Academic Payroll Administration Analyst plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the university's payroll processes within the UCPATH Systems. Responsible for performing direct entries related to One-time pay, additional pay, final pay, and other elements within the university payroll framework, the analyst also facilitates funding salary cost transfers for meticulous financial tracking. With a keen eye for detail, this role involves administering timesheets, entering overpayment requests in compliance with regulatory guidelines, and conducting payroll check reconciliations to promptly resolve discrepancies. The analyst collaborates with cross-functional teams to test systems and processes, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the university payroll system. Moreover, the position requires interpreting complex pay policies and staying informed about industry trends, ensuring accurate calculations and deductions while providing exemplary customer service to address inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues for university employees. The Academic Payroll Administration Analyst actively participates in shaping and enhancing payroll processes tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the dynamic field of university payroll administration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform direct entry into UCPATH Systems for Pay Administration including: One-time pay, additional pay, final pay, and within the university payroll framework. Interprets pay policies (for example, vacation, leave of absence, disability, workers compensation, union contracts, government regulations, withholding exemptions, et cetera), and ensures appropriate amounts/deductions are calculated and applied to the various accounts correctly.
• Facilitate funding salary cost transfers (direct retro) entries for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Administer timesheets, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to university policies.
• Enter overpayment requests into UCPATH processes in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Perform payroll check reconciliation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the university payroll system to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test systems and processes, ensuring their effectiveness and compliance. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll processes tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions. Stay informed about industry trends and advancements, particularly in university payroll practices.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving payroll-related issues for university employees.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related area.

AND

1 year of related experience.

OR

5 years of related equivalent experience/education.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in Enterprise Solutions (HRMS, Timekeeping platforms) to perform pay administration direct entries and timekeeping functions.
• Functional understanding of financial principles and practices, particularly in facilitating funding salary cost transfers for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll processes, including administering timesheets, entering overpayment requests, performing payroll check reconciliation, and interpreting complex pay policies such as vacation, leave of absence, and union contracts.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and government regulations related to payroll administration, ensuring compliance when entering overpayment requests and interpreting pay policies.
• Proven ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives within the university payroll system to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to provide superior customer service, addressing inquiries, and resolving payroll-related issues for university employees in a timely and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and perform direct entries within UCPATH Systems for various pay administration tasks, including one-time pay, additional pay, and final pay. (Preferred)
• Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams in testing systems and processes, as well as adaptability to stay informed about industry trends and advancements in university payroll practices for continuous improvement initiatives tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of Academic Personnel Manual for the University of California (APM). (Preferred)
• Experience working with union related payroll compliance complexities. (Preferred)
• Experience working on pay administration transactions for academic appointments. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.