Payroll Technician

Payroll Technician I/II If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Payroll Technician I/II in our Finance Department. Under supervision (Payroll Technician I) or general supervision (Payroll Technician II), performs a variety of paraprofessional and technical work in support of the City's payroll processing section; provides assistance to the Payroll Supervisor in all aspects of payroll processing; related records, and reports; receives, reviews, enters, audits and processes payroll data; maintains payroll files and records; and ensures adherence to established payroll policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Payroll Technician I: This is the first level in the Payroll Technician series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Payroll Technician II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff. Payroll Technician II: This is the experienced level in the Payroll Technician series performing the full range of technical, administrative, and advanced level clerical duties in support of the Finance department with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Payroll Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed technical payroll knowledge, 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 work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Payroll Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Payroll Technician I level. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties form those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Performs a variety of work in support of the City's payroll processing section; receives, reviews, enters, audits, and processes payroll data; ensures adherence to established payroll policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Participates in the preparation of the City's bi-weekly and monthly payroll for all City employees; establishes the pay calendar and prepares the system for time input for all City staff. Answers a variety of payroll related questions from City employees; researches and resolves payroll issues; explains City payroll policies and procedures. Audits submitted payroll information from each department; calculates withholdings; prepares and processes payroll; assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations. Reviews pay changes and payroll deduction changes including deferred compensation, flex benefits, withholding, employee organizations, and insurances. Review for accuracy Workers' Compensation, Leave of Absence, Short-term Disability Insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, and enter, calculate, and verify retroactive pay adjustments. Processes employee wage garnishments and judgments, calculating amounts to be withheld and preparing payments to appropriate agencies. Performs a variety of payroll functions for new hires including reviewing and verifying employee information and sets up new employee files as necessary. Calculates and prepares payroll tax deposits and quarterly payroll tax returns. Assists in monitoring current City MOUs and IRS regulations for payroll compliance; responds to questions and inquiries regarding payroll procedures, MOU interpretations, and tax related filing and deductions. Monitors balances of vacation, sick, compensatory, and other leave credits. Prepares and maintains a variety of statistical data and records; runs, balances, audits, and prepares a variety of payroll related reports including PERS reports; reports employee counts to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Researches records to verify wages for employment verification requests and unemployment claims. Performs duties of Payroll Supervisor during absences. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge of: Basic operations, services, and activities of a payroll processing system. Principles and practices of payroll preparation, reporting, and maintenance. Methods and techniques of calculating various payroll deductions. Principles and practices of payroll accounting. Mathematical principles and practices. Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable applications. Basic principles and practices of data entry and retrieval. Principles of customer service. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations as they relate to payroll preparation and processing. Ability to: Perform a variety of payroll processing duties specific to a municipal organization. Calculate payroll and paid time off deductions. Prepare and maintain employee payroll and accounting records. Follow established payroll procedures with detail and accuracy. Perform a high volume of work effectively and meet strict, recurring deadlines. Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting applications. Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Payroll Technician I/II Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized or college level course work in payroll, accounting, or a related field. Payroll Technician I Experience: Two years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible payroll processing or accounting experience. Payroll Technician II Experience: Three years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible payroll processing or accounting experience at a level comparable to a Payroll Technician I with the City of Escondido.