Payroll Specialist (20492246)

This is a professional level classification requiring technical knowledge of accounting and payroll, payroll
processing, benefits and budget functions.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads payroll processing including posting, balancing, and reconciling.
• Completes monthly/quarterly/annual reports and reconciliations such as federal and state tax filings, W-2, and benefit.
• Coordinates payroll activities with other staff in the respective departments, divisions and outside agencies; provides staff assistance to the Finance Director and Human Resources Manager.
• Responds timely to payroll inquiries; provides accurate information and resolves complaints.
• Assists with annual labor cost projections for budget development, insurance audits and labor negotiation process.
• Participates in the development, coordination, and implementation of payroll system enhancements as necessary; participates in coordinating the maintenance and documentation of payroll system data.
• Monitor and track vacation and sick leave usage, audit, and process timecards.
• Interpret and apply State and Federal laws, collective bargaining agreements, and administrative policies as they relate to payroll and other assigned accounting functions.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of salary budgeting spreadsheets and position control/allocation spreadsheet.
• Communicate verbally and in writing payroll changes and/or issues with employees on an individual and citywide basis.
• Research and answer employee and department questions regarding payroll and benefits records status of accounts and payments, transaction coding, and other related matters.
• Verify information and prepare calculations for specific payroll rates related to holiday, overtime predetermined premium rates and other specific rates.
• Audit pay and benefit changes each pay period and annual labor group contract updates.
• Reconcile and initiate payments to outside vendors, including credit union, labor unions, and CalPERS.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance or a related field. 

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial and statistical recordkeeping work, including experience with payroll and benefits administration activities. Experience performing payroll processing, fiscal recordkeeping or accounting work within a municipality is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• The ability to convey oneself to and from geographical locations frequently and timely, or possession of a valid CA driver’s license.
• Designation as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is highly desired.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Sausalito is a beautiful, San Francisco Bay front city of 7,400 residents within 2.2 square miles that serves a visitor population that may be several times the size of the year-round population. The blend of historical buildings, wooded hillsides, sweeping Bay and San Francisco views nestled against the Golden Gate National Recreation Area combine to make Sausalito a community of unparalleled charm and natural beauty.