PAYROLL SPECIALIST

City of Torrance, CA - Torrance, CA

Full-time

Torrance, CA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Payroll Specialist to join the Finance Department's Payroll Team. Under general supervision, the Payroll Specialist performs specialized technical and administrative work in the preparation and processing of payroll. This role involves reviewing, preparing, processing, reconciling, and maintaining payroll and timekeeping documents and accounting records and reports, as well as assisting employees with payroll-related questions and problems. The position is distinguished from an Accountant as it focuses on specialized payroll work rather than professional-level accounting work.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, processes, reviews, reconciles and maintains payroll records and documents.
• Performs data entry and maintains payroll records related to employee payroll changes, deductions, direct deposits, leave banks, tax adjustments, retirement benefits, etc.
• Provides effective customer service and communication to all employees, departmental timekeepers, and City management on payroll related matters in a timely and accurate manner.
• Responds to inquiries regarding employee paychecks.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and other City Departments regarding changes in employee status.
• Interprets complex written information such as legal regulations; City policies, and labor contract provisions for payroll compliance requirements.
• Explains applicable personnel and payroll rules and procedures consistent with bargaining agreements, personnel policies, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines and other employment related guidelines.
• Verifies data entry to ensure correct calculation of payroll transactions and troubleshoots discrepancies.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent, preferably including or supplemented by courses in accounting or financial record keeping.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in performing payroll, statistical or other financial work.
• Experience working with automated payroll systems is preferred.
• Understanding of timekeeping and payroll functions.
• Experience working with automated financial and payroll systems.
• Problem-solving, professionalism and strong organizational abilities.
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Results-oriented and ability to perform effectively in a deadline environment.
• High energy, enthusiasm, and motivated demeanor.

Benefits

• Diversity and inclusion principles recognized by the City of Torrance.
• Equal opportunities for workforce, applicants, and community members.