Payroll Specialist

  • City of Downey, CA
  • Downey, California
  • Aug 20, 2024
Full Time Accounting and Finance
  • Salary: $63,783.62 - $79,016.50 Annually USD

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

Under general supervision, performs specialized technical and administrative work in the preparation and processing of payroll. Reviews, prepares, processes, reconciles and maintains payroll and timekeeping documents and accounting records and reports. Provides customer service related to payroll, and other finance related areas.

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2025, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase.

This position is a "Confidential" position. The position is non-represented and serves in an "at will" capacity with no rights to employment. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, Confidential/Exempt.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part-time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Receives and reviews payroll records ensuring compliance with appropriate bargaining unit contracts, city policies, procedures and regulations.
  • Process payroll transactions, review, verify and correct timesheets for accuracy; balance and process bi-weekly payroll for the city.
  • Generates and disburses payroll checks and direct deposits
  • Process payments related to payroll cost such as deductions, taxes, insurances, and garnishments.
  • Calculates overtime payments, retroactive pay and separation payouts; reviews timesheets and source documents for compliance with laws, rules and regulations.
  • Assists employees with inquiries relating to tax withholding forms, direct deposit, deferred compensation, PERS and miscellaneous deductions.
  • Coordinates and maintains audits associated with payroll.
  • Process the City's bi-weekly reporting for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
  • Reconciles the bi-weekly report and make adjusting entries to PERS report on retroactive payments made to employees.
  • Maintains awareness and utilizes practices in accordance with current Federal, State, and local regulations.
  • Completes special projects and reports as requested; such as but not limited to Subpoenas, PERS buy back requests, public records requests, verification of employments, etc.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three (3) years of payroll-related experience required. Public sector accounting experience is highly desirable.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented with college courses in accounting, business, finance, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of: Current and pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; principles, procedures and methods of payroll preparation and administration; principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting, bookkeeping, accounting; and general office procedures; working knowledge of payroll systems, principles of financial administration including the budget process; word processing and spreadsheet software applications. Skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment for successful job performance.

Ability to: Maintain financial and statistical records, perform clerical record-keeping work; understand and apply specific record-keeping procedures; detect errors in coding, arithmetic, and record processing; follow verbal and written instructions, communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster effective working relationships; understand and follow verbal and written directions; work independently; perform mathematical computations; operate a computer using a variety of computer software; prioritize tasks; type accurately; audit and reconcile various financial accounts; manage statistical and financial reports.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License: In the event of field duties such as attending training workshops, a valid California Driver's License and an acceptable driving record during the course of employment is required or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out an essential function of the position.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions:
The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office equipment including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.

The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection/Testing Process:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

The acceptance of your application depends on whether or not you have clearly shown that you meet the Qualifications as stated above. Please fill out the application and supplemental questionnaire completely.

In the space provided for education, include the names and addresses of schools attended, dates completed, and number of credits, degree, and/or certificate(s) earned.

For each job held, provide the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, and reason for leaving. Failure to provide all the information may result in your application being removed from consideration. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination (weighted 100%) to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Tentative interviews scheduled for the week of September 23, 2024.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.Closing Date/Time: 9/6/2024 5:30 PM Pacific

Job Address

Downey, California United States View Map