Accounting Technician (Payroll)

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Technician (Payroll) to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Finance Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancy within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION
Under direction, performs specialized and difficult technical accounting duties in connection with the preparation, review, and processing of payroll records and documents in a centralized payroll system; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned management and supervisory staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the fully qualified advanced journey-level classification in the technical accounting series. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the payroll unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Prepares and processes payroll, prepares electronic transfers for direct deposits, and ensures checks are accurate and completed as scheduled
• Coordinates payroll activities with other City departments and divisions
• Answers questions and advises on procedures in payroll transactions
• Identifies and resolves problems and inconsistencies, determining corrective entries involved in maintaining payroll controls
• Receives, reviews, verifies and processes payroll records, documents and other related material
• Reviews related payroll items for completeness, accuracy and compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), state and federal laws and other regulations
• Maintains records for various employee payroll deductions and leave reports
• Processes periodic billings for services such as association and union dues, attachments and other wage claims against employees
• Interprets payroll impact as related to proposed operational changes and MOU language related to payroll
• Releases payroll information to legally authorized agencies and City employees
• Prepares correspondence, reports, forms and other financial documents
• Generates and assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial, summary and technical reports
• Verifies, posts and records a variety of financial transactions
• Prepares and maintains databases, records, and a variety of periodic and special financial, accounting and statistical reports
• Generates reports by computer and balances them appropriately
• Enters and retrieves information and data using standard word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as accounting, financial, and other related electronic information systems specific to the department to which assigned
• Utilizes various computer software to carry out assigned payroll duties
• Assists customers, departments, and employees by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, general accounting procedures, and/or department specific issues and problems; researches issues regarding specific transactions; and updates related files and departments on action items
• Assists supervisor(s) with special projects as required
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Prepares W-2 forms and electronic file for submission and reporting
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Equivalent to an associate's degree with major coursework in finance or accounting
• Two (2) years of technical accounting experience in the preparation, review, and processing of payroll records and documents in a centralized payroll

Highly Desired:

• Experience working within a public sector agency
• Experience with CentralSquare OneSolution/Finance Enterprise
• Experience interpreting MOU and collective bargaining agreements
• Experience in customer service

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Payroll and deductions policies, practices and procedures
• Federal and state payroll tax laws and regulations
• Garnishment and employment verification practices and procedures
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting
• Methods and techniques of coding, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records
• Business arithmetic and basic financial and statistical techniques
• Record-keeping principles and procedures
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
• California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) rules and regulations

ABILITY TO

• Prepare and review payroll documents, reports, statements, and correspondence accurately
• Provide technical direction and assist other employees in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate and current financial records
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Make thorough and accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, written exams, and writing exercises to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which include a pre-hire physical and Live Scan background investigation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the MPC Compensation Plan for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.
  • $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.
  • $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
  • $2,000 per year for Confidential towards the 457 plan.
• ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117 hours of holiday leave.
• ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.
  • Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
  • Management - 80 hrs per year.
• AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month Department Heads only (Exception Fire & Police Chief)
• FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City’s operational needs.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 3/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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