Definition
The top salary range for this position currently reaches $82,757.28. The position will receive a 4.0% salary increase in July 2025, a 3.0% salary increase in July 2026; bringing the top step salary to $88,649.64.
THIS POSITION MAY CLOSE ONCE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS IS RECEIVED. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY.
Under the general supervision, the Payroll Technician is responsible for the City’s payroll function and performs related duties as required. This position class is distinguished from the Account Clerk class by the increased technical knowledge and independent judgment required to administer the City’s payroll function.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Supervision is provided by the assigned Department Director or designee.
Essential Job Functions
Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.)
Receive and review 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; generate and disburse payroll checks and direct deposits; process payments related to payroll cost such as deductions, taxes, insurances, and garnishments; compile routine reports related to the bi-weekly activity and email designated city staff, department payroll liaisons and third-party contacts; close and balance all monthly, quarterly, year-to-date and special payrolls; verifies and makes changes to salaries; calculates overtime payments, retroactive pay and separation payouts; reviews timesheets and source documents for compliance with laws, rules and regulations; determines proper handling of payroll and technical transactions within designated responsibilities; coordinates with Human Resources regarding new hire and annual benefits open enrollment process to ensure accurate and timely implementation of insurance changes; provides ongoing City-wide end-user timekeeping system training; assists employees with inquiries relating to tax withholding forms, direct deposit, deferred compensation, PERS and miscellaneous deductions; respond to subpoenas involving employee payroll records; coordinates and maintains audits associated with payroll; process the City’s bi-weekly reporting for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS); reconcile 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; maintains timely and regular attendance; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position. A typical combination is:
Education and/or Experience:
An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business, finance, or a closely related field and at least three (3) years of payroll-related experience required. Public sector accounting experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is highly desirable. Some lead supervisory experience is desirable.
Knowledge of:
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, including a 10-key adding machine and keyboarding at a speed necessary 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
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License are required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Position requires prolonged sitting and regular standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 20 pounds is required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Employee generally works indoors. Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, or odors. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones and/or members of the public. Employee may be required to work nights or weekends in order to meet priority payroll related deadlines.
NOTE:
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants must complete an application online prior to the final filing date. Applications will be screened for qualifications, appropriate background, and only the most qualified will be invited to participate in the oral interview process and achieve a minimum passing score. Applicants will be notified by e-mail as to the interview date, time, and location. The examination process will include:
Oral interview (100%)
Candidates will be required to pass a City administered pre-employment physical and may be required to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination as part of the selection process. Candidates who do not pass will be disqualified and removed from the eligibility list.
ACCOMMODATION:
Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the Human Resources Department at least five (5) business days prior to the examination date.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.