San Diego State University Research Foundation

Compensation

Full Description

Overview This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on December 29, 2025. The salary range for this position is $8,188.82 - $8,400.00 per month depending upon qualifications and internal equities and is non-negotiable. This position works a hybrid in-office/remote schedule and incumbent must live a commutable distance from San Diego State University. WHO WE ARE Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work. Our vision is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations. Our core values: Service: We are a service organization that strives to provide superior support to the university community to achieve SDSU’s goals; we are committed to being professionally competent by setting high standards and working hard to achieve results; and we continually seeking to improve our skills and capabilities by valuing education and professional development. Collaboration: We seek to actively engage with our stakeholders and employees to identify issues and design solutions, build strong relationships grounded in trust, openness, and inclusion and achieve the best results by taking pride in the accomplishments of our colleagues. Innovation: We work towards inspired solutions to improve and adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges, creative ways to streamline and enhance our delivery of services through resourceful and proactive problem solving and strategic use of technology and reduction of obstacles. Respect: We promote a culture where every individual is valued and treated with dignity, we honor open-mindedness toward different viewpoints and ideas and have a genuine appreciation for varied backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. Integrity: We are committed to act with the highest ethical standards, with honesty, integrity, and transparency, provide consistent and accurate information and value and respect all individuals. WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES SDSU Research Foundation's Payroll department provides payroll services for 3,800 employees in nearly thirty states. The department payroll services including San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) central staff employees, agency and project employees, KPBS, Global Campus, and The Campanile Foundation. YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE The Payroll Supervisor plays a critical role in the effective operation of the finance department. By providing invaluable expertise of labor laws, IRS and various state compliance, you are helping to ensure the accuracy of the payroll and reporting, and ensure funding agency and university requirements are met, directly impacting SDSU’s reputation as a leading research institution. Responsibilities THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE The Payroll Supervisor will manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll department, supervising a team of five. The Payroll Supervisor ensures the accuracy of the payroll, tax disbursements and reporting, and ensures compliance with other required payroll reporting. The annual federal gross wages exceeded $100 million in 2024. The Payroll Supervisor is responsible for adhering to company policies and procedures, internal controls, while providing a high level of customer service. The Payroll Supervisor is required to have strong working knowledge of federal and state tax reporting requirements, labor laws, and payroll compliance standards, along with familiarity with complex ERP and related payroll systems. Qualifications THE SKILLS WE NEED Thorough knowledge of current financial record-keeping methods as well as payroll related financial record-keeping requirements and reporting. Ability to consistently represent the organization in a professional and courteous manner. Excellent customer service focus and skills, professionalism in dealing with students, individuals, and business customers. Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, validity, adherence to standards, compute and enter figures accurately. Ability to maintain corporate financial records and files; identify, trace, and corrects errors. Ability to follow, direct, interpret, explain, and apply written policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Ability to prioritize and direct the department workload and make sound decisions and recommendations. Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and utilize problem solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems. Strong computing skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel. Interact effectively with co-workers, including providing staff training and opportunities for professional development. Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures. Initiative-taking, self-starter, with a high energy level and strong interpersonal skills Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and with large and small audiences Well organized, ability to meet deadlines, detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense. Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity. Experience and Education Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience in Human Resources, Payroll Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field that involves study, analysis, and evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs. Four years of progressively responsible experience performing specialized administrative, HR, payroll, and/or financial duties, including analytical work that supports process improvement, compliance, or program administration. Experience may include roles involving HR operations, payroll processing, accounts payable management, or administrative program oversight. Preferred Qualifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential. Experience with Ellucian Banner Payroll and Workforce timekeeping software. Background in payroll compliance for multi-state operations and nonresident alien regulations. Strong knowledge of federal and California labor and payroll tax laws. Experience supervising payroll staff and managing payroll operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and payroll/timekeeping systems. WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans Life and disability insurance plans Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested. Vacation and sick leave accruals 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries. Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events Wellness workshops HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly. WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application. ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION: The salary range for this position is $8,188.82 - $8,400.00 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. Hybrid Work Philosophy: We believe that a balanced approach to work—combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains strong, inclusive, and adaptable. Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire. Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check). San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law. Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices. SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.