Payroll Technician I/II

Summary

Payroll Technician I: $4,289 - $5,748 per month
Payroll Technician II: $4,853 - $6,504 per month

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. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under supervision (Payroll Technician I) or general supervision (Payroll Technician II), performs a variety of work in support of the City's payroll processing section; provides assistance to the Payroll Analyst in all aspects of payroll processing; prepares checks and 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
This is an experienced paraprofessional and technical class in the Finance Department.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 payroll for all City employees; establishes the pay calendar and prepares the system for time input for all City staff; prints, folds, stuffs and sorts checks and direct deposit information.

Answers a variety of payroll related questions from City employees; researches and resolves payroll issues; explains City payroll policies and procedures.

Receives and audits submitted payroll information from each department; enters timesheet data into the computer as necessary; calculates withholdings; prepares and processes payroll; assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations.

Processes pay changes and payroll deduction changes including deferred compensation, flex benefits, withholding, employee and charitable organizations, and insurances.

Assists in computing and processing pay adjustments due to Workers' Compensation, LOA, SDI, LTD and retroactive pay adjustments.

Processes levies and judgments against employees, calculating amounts to be withheld and preparing payments to appropriate agencies.

Performs a variety of payroll functions for new hires including setting up taxes and deductions and calculating insurances and leave adjustments; sets up new employee files as necessary.

Meets with separating employees to process payoff amounts for sick, vacation, holiday and comp time, payroll deduction changes and deferred compensation.

Calculates, prepares and post journal vouchers to the general ledger for taxes and 401k/457 deductions.

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.

Inputs and verifies a variety of expenses including training, travel, tuition, mileage, meals and other employee reimbursements.

Verifies and corrects balances of vacation, sick, compensatory and other leave credits; reconciles and adjusts employee year-to-date leave balances.

Prepares and maintains a variety of statistical data and records; runs, balances, audits, and prepares a variety of payroll related reports including PERS reports.

Researches records to verify wages for employment verification requests and unemployment claims.

Performs duties of Payroll Analyst during absences.

Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
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 software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
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.
Calculate payroll and paid time off deductions.
Prepare and maintain employee payroll and accounting records.
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 word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

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.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Unclassified / Clerical / Technical Benefit Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 3/31/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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