Payroll Special Projects Analyst

The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on Human Resources matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services. The mission of HRD is to support CDPH in attracting, hiring, and retaining quality employees.

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a highly team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

The HRD is located in the East End Complex in downtown Sacramento.

Job Description and Duties

Analyst II This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing as the expert staff resource responsible for a wide variety of technical and analytical work associated with training, personnel, payroll, benefits, leave accounting issues, and special projects. Including, but not limited to, appointments, separations, benefits, Leave Accounting Balance audits, and special projects.

The incumbent will assist with managing workload associated with vacant rosters, complex technical issues, and backlogged work. Successful performance of these duties requires the incumbent to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external departmental staff as well as control agency personnel.

The Analyst II independently performs the more responsible, varied, and complex technical analytical work associated with personnel, payroll, benefits, leave accounting issues, and special projects.

Analyst I This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing work of average difficulty and complexity in a wide variety of technical and analytical work associated with training, personnel, payroll, benefits, leave accounting issues, and special projects. Including, but not limited to, appointments, separations, benefits, Leave Accounting Balance audits, and special projects.

The incumbent will assist with managing workload associated with vacant rosters, complex technical issues, and backlogged work. Successful performance of these duties requires the incumbent to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external departmental staff as well as control agency personnel.

The Analyst I classification is distinguished from the Analyst II classification by the scope of responsibility, complexity of work performed, independence of action, decision-making, and level of supervision received. This classification consists of three alternate ranges and as the Analyst I advances within the classification ranges, their responsibilities are expected to show broader knowledge of the work environment, and organizational and/or departmental requirements while the scope of work increases.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge and experience in the California state payroll processes, including employee pay auditing, pay verifications, correction of pay-related discrepancies, and California state pay systems
• Experience in applying CalHR, State Controller’s Office (SCO), CalPERS, and other control agency rules and regulations in payroll, benefits, and leave accounting work
• Ability to develop or deliver training materials, job aids, desk procedures, and process documentation related to state payroll, benefits administration, and leave accounting.
• Experience coordinating accounts receivable and salary advance audits, including identifying payroll overpayments and supporting recovery or adjustment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal HR staff and external agencies such as SCO and CalPERS to resolve payroll and benefits issues.
• Experience serving in a lead capacity, guiding staff, or overseeing payroll-related projects and audits at a California State Department/Agency.
• Ability to review and reconcile benefit program issues, audit statements, retirement contribution discrepancies, and other payroll-related financial records.
• Skill in conducting or supporting employee leave audits, including identifying errors and collaborating with control agencies (as needed) for resolution.
• Experience with Dependent Reverification (DRV) and other state benefits compliance activities that directly impact payroll and benefit eligibility.
• Ability to analyze and implement changes driven by updates to state payroll policies, laws, rules, and procedures, including those issued by control agencies.
• Experience researching and resolving escalated payroll, benefit, or personnel-related issues, including complex audits or employee claim corrections.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing payroll-related correspondence, audit responses, policy updates, and employee notifications.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5393
• https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5157

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. 

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=526853

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

About California Department of Public Health

At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do. The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

Connections working at California Department of Public Health