| Location | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
| Salary | $94,474.78–$130,233.99 Per Year |
Payroll Administrator
Salary
$94,474.78 - $130,233.99 Annually
Location
26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Non Represented
Job Number
2026-39
Department
Finance
Division
General Finance
Opening Date
08/25/2026
Closing Date
9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
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. If you are someone who thrives on precision, collaboration, and being at the center of meaningful organizational improvements, this is your chance to make a lasting impact!
About the Role
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.
Meet Santa Margarita Water District
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.
Santa Margarita Water District's values include:
Essential Functions
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.
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 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.
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
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 WFN 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.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here: Payroll Administrator Job Description
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the Districts rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employees annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employees salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employees six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Districts deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the Districts Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional
well-being.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the Districts benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
01
Do you have experience using ADP (WFN) for payroll processing?
02
Please describe your experience processing end-to-end payroll.
Required Question
Employer Santa Margarita Water District
Address 26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688
Phone (949) 459-6420
Website http://www.smwd.com