Academic Pay Administrative Analyst (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 full salary range for this position is $25.62 - $44.11. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.34 - $28.78.

The hybrid/remote schedule, to begin, will be 2-3 days in office/ 1-2 days on campus/1 day remote.

This is a one-year, renewable contract position and is eligible for full UC benefits.

Initial applicant review will be on or about November 13th, 2024. Posting may close any time after that, without notice.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

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:

1. 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.
2. Facilitate funding salary cost transfers (direct retro) entries for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
3. Administer timesheets, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to university policies.
4. Enter overpayment requests into UCPATH processes in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
5. Perform payroll check reconciliation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.
6. 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.
7. Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving payroll-related issues for university employees.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and
• 1 year of related experience or 5 years of related equivalent experience/education (required).
• 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.

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/