San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason recognized Disbursements Division Chief, Michael Alexander, during this year’s National Payroll Week of September 2-6, 2019. One of the many functions of the Disbursements Division is Central Payroll. ATC’s Central Payroll Section is staffed with 17 employees who do an outstanding job of processing bi-weekly payroll for approximately 21,000 County and Special District employees. The bi-weekly payroll consists of approximately $54.5 million in gross pay and an additional $28 million in benefits. Over 99.5% of payments to employees are made by direct deposit. Getting paid correctly and on time would not be possible without Mike’s leadership of the Central Payroll team.
In 2018, the County upgraded the Employee Management and Compensation System (EMACS) from PeopleSoft Version 9.0 to Version 9.2. This upgrade allows the County to enjoy improved system performance and new functionalities that were not available in Version 9.0. The Central Payroll team was a vital partner with EMACS, the Information Services Department, and other County departments in the upgrade process. The Human Resources EMACS Team provides technical support to Central Payroll and maintains the system.
“Central Payroll is a busy environment and I am delighted and pleased with the hard work and dedication that Mike and his division provide to employees,” Mason said. “Their expertise and commitment to excellence are valued and greatly appreciated by me and all employees who receive a regular paycheck!”
Employee pay, including payroll processing, employee voluntary and involuntary deductions, direct deposit, W-4, W-2, tax payments, tax returns, and census reporting to regulatory and other agencies are some of the payroll functions that ATC Central Payroll oversees.
Mike is a member of the American Payroll Association (APA) and has served as the Vice President and President of its Inland Empire Chapter (IEAPA). He remains active with the Chapter and is still on their Board of Directors. Mike is an outreach volunteer with the IEAPA and participates in a program called Teaching Teens. This program involves teaching high school students “Paychecks 101” to enhance their financial literacy and prepare them for their first job. Mike and the IEAPA take part in the APA’s Money Matters National Education Day by holding at least one session of Paychecks 101 during National Payroll Week.