Accountant III (Payroll)

General

The Accountant III will report to the Manager, Payroll and is responsible for the coordination of Payroll-related systems, developing procedures, and providing mentorship and support to payroll staff for the San Mateo County Transit District (District).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Organize the day-to-day activities of the Payroll department to ensure that payroll is timely and accurate.
• Assist in the interpretation and application of District wage and benefits policies for both unrepresented workers and workers under Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Assist in the development and administration of written policies, practices, desk manuals, best practices, and other sources of instructional and informational reference material.
• Develop audits, interpretations, coordination, and enforcements of Payroll related data.
• Provide professional and technical advice and recommendations on Payroll best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Act as a liaison between finance and other departments, organizations, and agencies. Respond to complex payroll questions and complaints as well as researching and responding to questions.
• Mentor payroll staff including selecting staff, monitoring, and evaluating employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Provide guidance to Payroll staff on Payroll policies and procedures.
• Assist with tax updates, upgrades, and programming changes within PeopleSoft.
• Prepare payroll related reports for management and outside agencies.
• Assist in the process and review of all aspects of the District’s payroll taxes (e.g. payments, reporting, and W2’s) and all Payroll-related benefit plans (e.g. California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and 457 deferred compensation plan).
• Monitor timely receipt of payroll required documentation.
• Review and verify the work of Payroll staff.
• Conduct research and analysis to assist department manager with special projects.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• At least three (3) years direct payroll experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is desirable.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Payroll and Time and Labor (TL) modules is desirable.
• Experience with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) administration is desirable.
• Experience with Payroll system upgrades or conversions are desirable.
• Effective written and oral communications skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 1/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• San Mateo County Transit District

• 650-508-6308

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