Payroll Generalist-61123493

Salary: $58,854.00 - $105,978.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 193759
Agency: Department of Administration
Division: Division of State Human Resources
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AG18
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN10
Hiring Range - Min.: $60,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $85,000.00
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: The Department of Administration will not sponsor employment visas for this position. All applicants must apply online.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
Payroll Generalist

The Department of Administration's (Admin) Human Resources office is seeking an experienced Payroll Generalist to join our team. In this role, you will support and handle the daily operations of payroll and time administration. You will also serve as a liaison between Admin and its Shared Services agencies and the Comptroller General's Office (CG), State Treasurer's Office, Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), SC Enterprise Information Systems (SCEIS) and other entities regarding payroll matters. Major areas of focus will include payroll quality assurance, PEBA/payroll administration, payroll/leave reporting and utilizing SCEIS for payroll processes. As the Payroll Generalist, you will work closely with the Payroll Manager, to audit payroll transactions, validate payroll data through reporting, monitor and resolve time entry discrepancies in SCEIS, review reports for accuracy, and coordinate with SCEIS and the CG's Office to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing. Collaborate with the HR team to identify and resolve complex payroll and data integrity issues. Oversee the agency's direct deposit change process, ensuring requests are handled accurately and in accordance with established procedures. This role is ideal for a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with strong payroll and time administration experience, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to accuracy and customer service.

This position is onsite in Columbia, SC.

Responsibilities of the Payroll Generalist:

• Coordinate and consult employees on time administration to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations and accountability of timekeeping/payroll process. Serve as the Time and Leave Administrator for Admin and Shared Services.
• Prepare and run various payroll-related reports to include a Wage Comparison Report and time and leave that provide information to ensure accurate reconciliation of Admin and Shared Services agencies' payroll & deduction transactions.
• Complete payroll simulations to verify changes in payroll transactions have been entered correctly and within the effective payroll period. Complete quality reviews related to HR processing and updating employee records. This may entail reviewing or auditing employee data such as but not limited to salaries, work schedules rules, on-call and shift differential pay on the position information, W-4 tax withholding/exemptions.
• Analyze payroll overpayments and other compensation discrepancies to identify root causes, consult with HR leadership to implement preventive measures, and evaluate agency processes for systemic issues that may contribute to payroll errors.
• Coordinate and consult with the Benefit Manager and/or Leave Administrator to provide quality assurance oversight regarding leave administration and ensure that leave is processed accurately for payroll purposes. Provides advice, direction and technical assistance to employees and supervisors regarding work hours, leave hours and other wage-related issues entered into the SCEIS system.
• Coordinate with the Benefits Manager to ensure proper processing of employee premiums and establishment of service time with PEBA's Insurance, Retirement and Deferred Compensation Divisions. Assist in examining and taking appropriate action to ensure reconciliation of the monthly and quarterly accounting reports within PEBA's Insurance and Retirement systems.
• Ensure the accurate processing of employee compensation and distribution of expenditures by collecting, researching and auditing all payroll-related transactions and supporting documentation. Work with the CG's Office and other partner agencies to reconcile payroll and deduction transactions and ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Complete employment verification requests in a timely manner and following established protocol.
• Oversee and complete direct deposit change process, ensuring requests are handled accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience in human resources management programs; an associate degree and three (3) years of experience in human resources programs; or a high school diploma and five (5) years of experience in human resources management programs.

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management and payroll administration.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of human resources and payroll administration.
• Knowledge of federal laws and state regulations affecting human resources management and payroll administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.
• Position may require employee to work evenings and weekends.
• Position requires frequent stooping and/or bending.
• Position requires frequent lifting: 5 lbs.
• Position may be required to report to work during emergency situations and hazardous weather events.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Department may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.
Additional Comments
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Administration offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship from the Department of Administration for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select which of the options below best represents your level of education and experience.

• At least a bachelor's degree or higher and one (1) year of experience in human resources management programs.
• An associate degree and at least three (3) years of experience in human resources programs.
• A high school diploma and at least five (5) years of experience in human resources management programs.
• None of the above.

04

Please briefly describe your experience in handling the daily operations of payroll and time/leave administration.
Required Question