Payroll Specialist

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Payroll Specialist to join the Finance Department's Payroll Team!

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

Under general supervision, performs specialized technical and administrative work in the preparation and processing of payroll. Reviews, prepares, processes, reconciles and maintains payroll and timekeeping documents and accounting records and reports; assists employees with payroll related questions and problems.
 
A Payroll Specialist is distinguished from an Accountant in that incumbents perform specialized payroll work and not professional level accounting work.  A Payroll Specialist is distinguished from an Accounting Technician in that the incumbent provides technical skills in the payroll function of the accounting clerical series.
 
Receives supervision from the payroll unit manager or supervisor.

Examples of Essential Duties
The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all inclusive.  

• 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.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities required is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

High school graduation or equivalent, preferably including or supplemented by courses in accounting or financial record keeping and two years of progressively responsible experience in performing payroll, statistical or other financial work.

Experience working with automated payroll systems is preferred.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• 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; and
• High energy, enthusiasm, and motivated demeanor.

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. 

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.