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The City of Sausalito is seeking qualified candidates for the Position of

Payroll Specialist

36 hours/4 days a week work schedule

This position is located in the City offices.

This is not remote/hybrid work.

Open until filled. First screening will occur April 22, 2024.  

Second screening will occur May 13, 2024.

Join our collaborative team today as a Payroll Specialist! Under general direction from the Finance Director, this position performs a variety of technical and professional payroll functions.

The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the Finance team, ensuring the City’s payroll operations meet all federal and state tax filing requirements and will be adept at managing tax withholdings, filings, and reporting. Duties include the processing and maintenance of the City's payroll, maintenance of employee payroll and leave records, preparing payroll reports, providing information to employees, and performing other related tasks to support the Finance Department.

The next challenging career opportunity awaits you! The Accountant position is an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated and skilled professional with experience in performing journey to complex accounting finance work preferably in a municipal setting. Competitive candidates will possess the ability to prepare, maintain, analyze, verify and reconcile complex financial transactions, statements, records and reports; maintain accuracy of the City’s ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; assists in the preparation of assigned budgets, annual audit, and year end closing; and provide staff assistance to management staff.   

Summary Description

Under direction, performs a variety of professional level accounting duties involved in preparing, maintaining, analyzing, verifying, and reconciling complex financial transactions, statements, records, and reports; maintains the accuracy of the City’s ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; assists in the preparation of assigned budgets, annual audit, and year end closing; and provides highly responsible staff assistance to assigned management staff.

Representative Duties

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 from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1.      Perform a variety of professional accounting functions supporting City-wide operations; maintain accuracy of general, revenue, and expenditure ledgers and subsidiary financial systems.

2.      Reconcile financial ledgers and records; prepare financial statements and reports, general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules; research and resolve discrepancies.

3.      Review and audit all accounts payable, purchase orders, cash receipts, business licenses, payroll, utility billing, and other accounting records and transactions; ensure money is posted to correct accounts and that all accounts balance.

4.      Provide assistance in the development of the annual budget; assist in the review and validation of the annual City budget; create a variety of spreadsheets, documents, and graphs; assist in preparing the final budget document for approval by City Council.

5.      Prepare bank reconciliations and related journal entries for a variety of accounts.

6.      Prepare a variety of monthly, periodic, and annual financial and statistical reports and account summaries; prepare treasurer reports; prepare and file annual State Controllers Report.

7.      Assist in preparation of year end closings and accompanying financial reports.

8.      Perform grant accounting work related to federal, state or grant agency funding; maintain records for audit purposes.

9.      Maintain and track fixed asset inventory control records for the City.

10.   Participate in the year-end audit; compile and prepare supporting schedules, work papers, and financial reports as requested by auditors.

11.   Prepare property tax remittances for payment.

12.   Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve issues in an efficient and timely manner.

13.   Provide responsible staff assistance to management staff; perform special department projects as assigned.

14.   Serve as department liaison to various City committees as necessary.

15.   Perform related duties as required.

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, manages and directs the Accounting Division of the Finance Department, including the budget development process and preparation of the budget book; budget monitoring, analysis and reporting; short- and long-range fiscal forecasting; ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures; and capital planning.  The Accounting Manager trains and evaluates assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

This is a single position classification at the managerial level in the Finance Department responsible for managing the budget and accounting functions. The Accounting Manager has a broad range of independence within policy and procedural limitations and works under minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable to the Finance Director for the quality and efficiency of services directed.  The Accounting Manager is expected to provide resources, system support, and oversight to all subordinate professional and paraprofessional staff. This position is responsible for the successful planning and implementation of the citywide budget process and the day-to-day accounting operations.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the activities of the Accounting Division including general accounting, accounts payable and payroll.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; work with employees on performance issues; and implement disciplinary procedures.
• Prepare, review and maintain journal entries and general ledger postings and supporting financial records and supervise the maintenance of the General Ledger.           

• Conduct and coordinate the annual audit and serve as the liaison between the City and the external auditors, provide requested information and necessary documentation for completion of the audit, and ensure timely completion of the audit, State Controller’s Office reports and other compliance reports as required.
• Oversee reconciliations of the City’s financial activities including bank accounts and investments, month-end and year-end close processes and prepare related reports.
• Plan and implement citywide budget process and related fiscal programs.
• Effectively communicate budget preparation calendar and information needs, capabilities, and limitations as well as budget policies, procedures and outcomes to departments, city officials, citizens, and other interested parties.
• Project citywide personnel costs on an annual basis and as needed.
• Monitor the City’s budget, perform budget analysis, prepare quarterly budget status reports, develop financial and capital plans, and prepare short- and long-range financial forecasts.
• Research and implement new budget initiatives that increase the usefulness and clarity of budget presentations and maximize staff efficiency.
• Conduct a variety of special studies; prepare and present various analyses, statistical compilations, and reports to City staff, City Council, or the public.
• Assist in the management of the City’s capital financing programs, including debt issuance.
• Facilitate development and implementation of improved processes and standard procedures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Department goals, policies, and priorities.
• Assist in operational administration of risk management activities as assigned.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled- Apply Immediately 

Interviews: TBD

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services, the Assistant Director serves as part of the management team of this municipal department and assists with planning, directing, coordinating and administering the functions of accounting, budgeting, and a wide range of support services including business licensing, payroll, utility billing, information technology and other functional areas of the Finance Department.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Responsibilities may involve direct or indirect supervision of any or all of the above functions with primary emphasis on accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, payroll, and information technology. 

The Assistant Director plays a critical role in the management of accounting functions and preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; development of City operating and capital budgets including preparing complex financial analyses, working with contract financial consultants and actuaries, developing payroll projections and providing support to labor negotiations, developing strategies to improve workflow and service delivery, and overseeing the internal service fund financial management and cost allocation.

The Assistant Director also plays a key role in evaluation of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system, including evaluation of the current and any future system, working with Finance staff in accounting, payroll, and information technology as well as Human Resources staff to ensure efficient implementation of all aspects of the system.

In addition, the Assistant Director prepares complex reports and presentations before the City Council and the public, represents the department in various meetings, resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, and serves as acting Director in the absence of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:   Current principles, practices and techniques of organization, administration, supervision, training, personnel management; principles of accounting and finance, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial management, revenue forecasting, risk management, automated financial information systems; and advanced applications of modern office software including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Ability to:  Prepare timely and accurate accounting and financial reports; analyze accounting systems and internal control procedures; recommend and implement changes for improvement; prepare computer spreadsheets, narrative reports and presentations; effectively supervise, train and coordinate the work of subordinate personnel; set goals and objectives for the work unit and ensure that they are carried out; develop performance criteria for the work unit and use the information collected to improve efficiency and effectiveness; interact positively with co-workers; deal tactfully, effectively and cooperatively with the public, elected officials and City employees; work independently and exercise sound judgment; interpret rules, policies and procedures; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations in support of organizational goals; and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Experience:  Six years of increasingly responsible experience in accounting, budgeting and management experience in a public agency, including four years in a supervisory capacity.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related fields. Additional certifications (e.g. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or advanced degrees) are desirable.

License:  Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a 1) City of Santa Clara Employment Application and 2) Proof of completion of a Basic Peace Officer Academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) OR proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only). Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applicants are required to obtain authorization from their home agency Chief of Police/Sheriff authorizing them to work on a Per Diem basis for the City of Santa Clara.  

 

For additional information regarding this position, please email Joe Oliver at joliver@SantaClaraCA.gov. 

 

The Department: 

The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website.   

 

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

 

Typical Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
• Under general supervision: patrol designated areas in, by foot, by bicycle, or other means to preserve law and order;
• Direct traffic;
• Enforce parking regulations, issue citations that are in violation of codes;
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorists; issue parking  citations and warnings;
• Discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce laws and ordinances; 
• Maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; 
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed to determine what, if any, crime has been committed;
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents;
• Investigate complaints and take appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force;
• Use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions;
• Identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence;
• Locate and interview victims and witnesses;
• Work in partnership with the Santa Clara Police Department and the District Attorney's Office to follow through on criminal complaints;
• Apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes;
• Control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations;
• Establish and preserve good relationships with the general public;
• Answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department, apply good public relation principals;
• Participate in continuous training required by POST  to enhance law enforcement skills 
• Attend meetings and trainings;
• Prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information;
• Testify in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence;
• Escort prisoners to county jail, juvenile hall, or Santa Clara Police Department; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

• Currently employed as a Full Time or Part Time Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or

• Currently working as a Level I Reserve Police Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or

• Retired as a Full Time Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or two years experience as a Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency and possession of a valid Basic Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.  

LICENSES &/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid driver's license is required; 

• Proof of a current Basic or higher certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is required at the time of application and for the duration of employment  (Not required for Reserve Police Officers, see below);

• Must have passed Field Training Program with home agency as required by POST;

• Must have passed Probationary Period with home agency;

• The minimum Peace Officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4.  Every California Peace Officer must be: Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029). Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law (GC 1031);

• and at least 21 yrs of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4).

• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification.

Reserve Police Officers Must Also Provide: Proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only).

 

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 20 years of age at time of application filing and 21 years of age at time of job appointment;

• Must meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards as required by POST;

• Per the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) "Public Safety Retirees on service retirement may not work more than 960 hours in a fiscal year for all CalPERS employers:;

• Retirees who were medically retired (industrial or non-industrial) should confirm with their retirement plan that accepting employment as a Per Diem Police Officer will not jeopardize their pension;

• Must possess the strength and physical ability necessary to perform the essential functions of the position;

• Must possess hearing, speech, and mental capabilities sufficient to perform all of the essential functions of the position; and

• Must be willing to be fingerprinted and pass a departmental interview, psychological, medical, and background investigation prior to appointment.

 

Vision requirements:  

• Must possess vision including color, night, depth, and peripheral vision sufficient to perform all of the essential functions of the position; and

• Must possess visual acuity of not less than 20/80 vision in each eye uncorrected, and corrected to 20/30 in each eye.

 

EXCEPTION:  Applicants with correction afforded by soft contact lenses are exempt from the minimum uncorrected vision standard of 20/80, provided their corrected vision is 20/30 in each eye.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Environment: 

The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; extreme cold, extreme heat, potentially hostile environments; extensive public contact. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be very loud due to crowd noise, music, sirens, firearm training, etc. Incumbents are required to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel to attend meetings or court appearances.

 

Physical: 

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a law enforcement setting; restrain or subdue individuals; walk, stand, sit, bike or run for prolonged periods of time;

occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights; occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers;

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Will be required to work special events.

• Will be required to work odd and unusual hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Will be required to provide safety equipment (defined as ballistic vest, duty belt, and firearm) approved by the Santa Clara Police Department.

• Per the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) "Public Safety Retirees on service retirement may not work more than 960 hours in a fiscal year for all CalPERS employers."

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities at a level necessary to do police work:

 

Interest in Police Work – willingness to handle routine, repetitive tasks; enforce laws that may conflict with personal values; relate to others; work with minorities; work with fellow officers and the general public; participate in situations that require courage; function in different roles; work under hostile conditions, work under hazardous conditions over long periods of time; accept new job duties; and work weekends, holidays.

 

Ability to Take Orders – the ability to relate to supervisors; to maintain objectivity; to take criticism and control temper.

 

Ability to Take Responsibility   - the ability to work without supervision; reliability; ability to participate in situations that require courage, refrain from abusing authority vested in an official role;  maintain confidentiality of information; and assume a command presence in conflict situations.

 

Self-Control – the ability to control one's temper, maintain objectivity; take criticism, function under oral or physical stress; use authority effectively; function in different roles, work under hazardous and hostile conditions for long periods of time, and work at accident and crime scenes which involve severe personal injuries, or in situations which involve loss of life.

 

Ability to Communicate Effectively – the ability to testify accurately; obtain information from witnesses under normal and stressful conditions; communicate in person, in writing, and via radio.

 

Ability to Make Reasonable Decisions Rapidly – the ability to reason logically; apply discretion in maintaining confidentiality of information; observe and interpret what is observed; evaluate situations and people effectively; and apply good judgment.

 

Willingness to Arrest People – willingness to take actions which will result in imposing penalties on others, including: depriving them of their freedom; taking a life if necessary; and fighting to win and injuring another if required; use techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force.

 

Ability to Learn – the immediate potential to learn to write readable, comprehensible reports; to read and interpret relevant laws and procedural material including designated SCPD Operations Manual Sections and Stadium Security Procedures; read maps; apply regulations; communicate verbally with others under stress, analyze material and situations; and record observations from accident and crime scenes.

 

Emotional Stability – the ability to take verbal abuse; the possession of: honesty, integrity, maturity,   tolerance, self-confidence, truthfulness and psychological stability; ability to meet the physical and psychological demands of police work.

 

Ability to Problem Solve – the ability to identify problems or issues that are of concern to residents of the City or Stadium attendees.

 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit 1) an online City of Santa Clara Employment Application and 2) Proof of completion of a Basic Peace Officer Academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) OR proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only).  Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

 

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.