Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 20, 1993

Scope

This series specification describes two classifications which perform specialized workers' compensation insurance payroll auditing duties at the State Compensation Insurance Fund. This classification is used primarily in the district offices. Relatively few positions are allocated in ancillary support services.

Definition of Series

In the district offices, incumbents audit payroll records of current and previously insured policyholders; schedule and conduct audits to verify and determine correct payroll and employment classifications; and do other related work. In the ancillary support services, incumbents review district audits for compliance and accuracy; calculate and prepare statistical reports; train district payroll auditors; and resolve premium issues with policyholders. Senior Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditors identify, schedule and conduct more complex or sensitive payroll audits; train lower level staff; perform "leadperson" duties; participate in the more complex or sensitive special projects; and do other related work. Work is performed both in field and office settings.

Positions in these classes are not designated as management or supervisory, although incumbents may occasionally act as "leadpersons" performing such functions as training new staff or reviewing the assignments of lower level staff. Such "leadpersons" have authorities substantially similar to their subordinates and they do not have the authority in the interest of management to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, discipline, or responsibly direct other employees, or to adjust their grievances, or effectively recommend such actions.

Typical Tasks

In the district offices of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditors audit payroll records of current and previously insured policyholders; schedule and conduct audits to verify and determine correct payroll and employment classifications in accordance with the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) Manual rules and regulations and State Fund guidelines and procedures; assist policyholders in the preparation of payroll reports and records; complete and submit audit reports; maintain records of completed audits; maintain an assigned State Fund vehicle in a safe and operable condition and maintain accurate vehicle records; and do other related work. Incumbents at this level perform their work under continuous and direct supervision.

In the ancillary support services, incumbents analyze audits completed by district office auditors for compliance with State Fund guidelines and WCIRB rules and regulations; determine premium and approve billings and refunds; maintain quality of accepted audits from district office auditors; calculate and prepare unit statistical reports for the WCIRB; train new employees; monitor and solve problems with accounts with premium over $100,000; and review and determine premium charge for policyholders based on payroll audits.

Senior Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditors schedule and conduct complex and sensitive audits; assist policyholders in the preparation of payroll reports; complete and submit audit reports; maintain records of completed audits; maintain an assigned State Fund vehicle in a safe and operable condition and maintain accurate vehicle records; may have lead responsibilities over others; and do other related work. Incumbents at this level perform their work under general supervision.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series is from outside State service or by promotion from the classification of Workers' Compensation Insurance Technician, Range B.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level of difficulty, variety and complexity of work; independence of action and decision making; sensitivity of client contacts; consequence of error; and degree of supervision received.

Definition of Levels

Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

This is the entry and journey level for this series. Under supervision, audit payroll records of current and previously insured policyholders of the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Senior Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

This is the super journey level in this series. Relatively few positions will be allocated to this level and then only when the duties of the position are substantially and clearly more complex, varied or difficult than the typical district office payroll auditor positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Workers' Compensation Insurance Technician, Range B. (Applicants who have completed nine months of the required experience will be admitted to the examination but must complete the required experience before they will be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Four years of experience performing workers' compensation payroll auditing. (Experience in the California state service applied to this pattern must include at least one year of experience performing workers' compensation payroll auditing duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Workers' Compensation Insurance Technician, Range B.)

Or III

Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree. Registration as a senior in an accredited college will admit applicants to the examination, but evidence of graduation or its equivalent must be produced before they can be considered eligible for appointment. (Responsible employment in workers' compensation payroll auditing may be substituted on a year for year basis.) (Experience in the California state service applied to this pattern must include at least one year of experience performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Workers' Compensation Insurance Technician, Range B.)

Senior Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor, Range B. (Applicants who have completed nine months of the required experience will be admitted to the examination but must complete the required experience before they will be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Three years of experience in professional workers' compensation payroll auditing. (Experience in the California state service applied to this pattern must include at least one year of experience performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor, Range B.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

Knowledge of: Modern office methods and procedures, supplies and equipment such as computer terminals and calculators; general accounting and auditing principles and procedures; general arithmetic skills; interpretation of graphs and charts; WCIRB Manual; rating plans; State Fund corporate and operating policies and procedures; general insurance principles and practices; interpretation of data; and college level vocabulary.

Ability to: Analyze problems and take effective action; read and write English effectively; communicate effectively; maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; read, interpret and apply rules, procedures and policies at a level required for successful job performance; classify risks accurately.

Senior Workers' Compensation Payroll Auditor

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: Perform all of the above; and handle the most varied, difficult and complex work assignments; act and make decisions more independently than is required in typical district office payroll auditor positions; and handle the most sensitive client contacts.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Willingness and ability to travel extensively; ability to qualify for a fidelity bond; possession of a valid driver license.

Class History