Payroll Technician/Senior Payroll Technician (20646417)

The City of Lincoln's Finance Department is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative individual to join our team as a Payroll Technician or Senior Payroll Technician, depending on qualifications and experience. This position plays a vital role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payroll practices, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service to employees and departments. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the smooth operation or payroll functions within a dynamic and supportive team environment.

The position will be filled within the class series at the Payroll Technician or Senior Payroll Technician level, depending on qualifications.  The salary for each level is:

• Payroll Technician:  $5,410.59 - $7,250.71
• Senior Payroll Technician:  $5,867.24 - $7,862.67

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs general and specialized payroll and accounting duties related to the preparation, issuance and maintenance of City-wide payroll and financial records and payroll system; reviews and reconciles a variety of payroll reports including payroll taxes, benefits reports, quarterly taxes, and PERS retirement contributions; to serve as liaison to departments and City personnel, researching and responding to questions related to payroll; and to prepare and submit a variety of payroll related reports; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Payroll Technician is the entry-level class within the Payroll Technician series; however, it operates at the journey level. Employees at this level are expected to perform the full range of routine to moderately complex payroll duties, requiring thorough knowledge of City payroll systems, policies, and departmental procedures. While Payroll Technicians operate independently in day-to-day payroll processing and compliance tasks, they are not typically responsible for interpreting complex regulations or acting as subject matter experts.

This classification is distinguished from the Senior Payroll Technician by the scope, complexity, and level of responsibility. Payroll Technicians work within established policies and procedures, while Senior Payroll Technicians lead the resolution of complex issues, interpret regulatory changes, and serve as technical specialists in the field.

The Senior Payroll Technician is a specialist-level classification responsible for the City’s payroll function. This class is distinguished from the Payroll Technician by the assignment, responsibility and performance as an experienced specialist in public sector payroll who can independently perform the duties and is expected to be the expert in the field. This work involves the interpretation and application of Federal, State and organizational rules, regulations and procedures requiring sustained, frequent, and intensive use of financial, statistical, and numerical data and information. The position requires a significant degree of knowledge, skill and experience in payroll functions and exercises a high degree of independent judgment and decision making.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision/general supervision from the Accounting Manager and/or Finance Director. May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff acting as supporting payroll personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Include but are not limited to the following:

Payroll Technician:

• Maintains the payroll system and employee pay records; posts and distributes time and attendance records, reviews, audits, and corrects time sheets; prepares paychecks; distributes paychecks and reports to various departments; prepares and files required reporting documents in an accurate and timely manner (including but not limited to quarterly reports and annual reporting of W-2s).
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable wage policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; maintains current knowledge of City, state and federal legislation affecting payroll; understands and implements applicable provisions of MOUs.
• Prepares pay records for posting to the general ledger; reconciles payroll records to the general ledger; prepares payroll journal vouchers; prepares a variety of routine and special reports as necessary; reviews, reconciles, approves, and submits all vouchers for payment of payroll liabilities (may include tracking of COBRA insurance payments and receipts).
• Processes withholdings, deductions, wage garnishments or other special payroll actions, and changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, insurance coverage, and loan payments; submits PERS retirement reports each payroll; prepares payroll tax deposits; complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance; reconciles payroll deductions withheld from employees to actual cost, including union dues, deferred compensation and credit union.
• Identifies and resolves problems and inconsistencies relative to the maintenance of payroll accounting controls; reviews wages computed and works with human resources to correct errors to ensure accuracy of payroll; computes any corrections or retroactive pays; prepares manual checks when necessary; makes wage adjustments.
• Assists employees, benefit vendors, auditors and outside agencies with payroll questions and requests; works with management to address any legalities and payments regarding compensation concerns such as judgments, arbitrations, and/or court rulings; assists employees in the completion of payroll related forms; researches changes to wage and hour ordinances and recommends modifications to the payroll system for compliance purposes; researches and analyzes data regarding salaries and benefits for cost studies.
• May be assigned to perform a variety of accounts receivable and bookkeeping functions on a relief or support basis.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel information contained in employee records or discussed with human resources and/or management.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Interfaces with the Human Resources Department to assure proper and timely processing of employee related paperwork.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Senior Payroll Technician:

• Coordinate and perform a variety of specialized and detailed duties involving the processing and review of City-wide payroll; perform manual calculations as necessary, ensuring integrity and accuracy of data.
• Processes withholdings, deductions, union dues, wage garnishments or other special payroll actions and changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, disability insurance, health insurance coverage and loan payments.
• Balance and post payroll transactions to payroll ledgers and reconcile to accounting system; balance other financial, statistical and operational reports, statements and records.
• Ensure the accuracy of the City’s payroll; conduct detailed research and make corrections to calculations and payroll related reports.
• Analyze and reconcile payroll records; prepare, reconcile and submit a variety of bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual payroll reports including but not limited to payroll taxes, GCC, ACA, W2’s, retirement, deferred compensation, payroll deductions, leave accruals and miscellaneous benefits.
• Reviews, reconciles, approves and submits all vouchers for payment of payroll liabilities including tracking of COBRA insurance payments and receipts. 
• Establish and maintain a variety of files for employee and payroll records; maintain records of payroll deductions; track and reconcile deductions.
• Determine schedules and timelines for payroll processes; post and distribute time and attendance records; review timesheets for accurate record-keeping; and preparation and submission of related reports.
• Test and implement payroll software system changes; consult with other City staff and outside vendors regarding software updates.
• Work with management to interpret and implement personnel rules, Memoranda of Understanding, federal and state regulations, CalPERS rules, and changes to reporting; explain rules and regulations regarding payroll.
• Identifies and resolves problems and inconsistencies relative to the maintenance of payroll accounting controls; review wages computed and work with human resources to correct errors to ensure accuracy of payroll; computes any corrections or retroactive pays; prepares manual checks when necessary; makes wage adjustments.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel information contained in employee records or discussed with human resources and management.
• May be assigned to perform a variety of accounts receivable and bookkeeping functions on a relief or support basis.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS

The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of municipal payroll processing, and payroll records maintenance; federal, state and local wage and hour laws, codes, ordinance, regulations, and labor agreements; basic City budget practices and ordinances relative to financial reporting; CalPERS reporting and procedures; process garnishments; generally accepted accounting principles; characteristics and operations of automated payroll systems; bookkeeping and accounting principles; methods and techniques of automated record keeping and report generation; public relations techniques and procedures; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable financial and statistical software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill to:

Operate standard office equipment including a computer and variety of word processing and software applications; operate automated financial and payroll systems.

Ability to:

Prepare, maintain, process and reconcile a complex municipal payroll; maintain payroll records, reports and files; accurately process a complex payroll on a timely basis; identify errors in records and payroll information and make appropriate changes; maintain confidentiality; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations governing payroll administration; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize and prioritize work, coordinating several activities and meet critical deadlines; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components.  Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical exam, drug-screening and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229 or emailing hr@lincolnca.gov. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.