HD Payroll/Personnel Technician at USC

The Human Resources Department is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll/Personnel Technician to join our Human Resources team. The successful candidate will perform a variety of complex and specialized technical duties in support of payroll and personnel operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality, and timeliness of employee payroll processing and personnel transactions.

This is a 1- year fixed-term position.

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare, review, and process payroll for all employee groups, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
Audit payroll data, including time reports, leave balances, benefit deductions, tax withholdings, and other compensation-related adjustments if applicable.
Maintain and update personnel records to reflect new hires, separations, salary changes, leaves of absence, and other employment-related actions.
Provide technical guidance to staff and departments regarding payroll policies, procedures, deadlines, and reporting requirements.
Coordinate with Human Resources, Business Office, and departmental personnel to resolve payroll discrepancies or data issues.
Assist in the preparation of payroll-related reports and summaries for internal and external audits.
Maintain and update employee attendance records using manual or automated systems. Conducts periodic reviews of the information to ensure accuracy of the records.
Ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws and retirement system requirements.
Support year-end processing and identify exceptions for special handling

Minimum Qualifications:

One (1) of increasingly responsible payroll or personnel experience involving financial or statistical recordkeeping.
Demonstrated proficiency in payroll systems, spreadsheets, and human resource information systems (HRIS).
Knowledge of payroll regulations, employment laws, and reporting requirements.

Desirable Qualifications:

Completion of two years of college-level coursework in accounting, business administration, human resources, or a related field.
Experience in a public agency, educational institution, or similar environment.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Work Environment:
This position operates in a fast-paced office environment requiring accuracy under tight deadlines. The Payroll/Personnel Technician interacts frequently with staff across departments and must demonstrate discretion, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At USC, we take pride in creating the best employee experience — because when our people thrive, so does our mission.

You’ll enjoy:

Comprehensive benefits that support you and your family’s well-being
Work-life balance through supportive programs and resources
A collaborative, inclusive culture where every voice matters
The chance to be part of a tradition of excellence that dates back more than a century

Learn more about our benefits at benefits.usc.edu

At USC, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion — because innovation thrives when everyone feels welcome. Join the Trojan Family, where great minds come together to make a global impact.

Will you be one of them? FIGHT ON!

The hourly rate range for this position is $27.00 – $30.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Skilled in payroll or personnel processing with knowledge of applicable regulations

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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