WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
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.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Payroll Specialist to join the Finance Department's Payroll Team.
The Department
The Finance Department is a dynamic organization whose mission is to protect the City's assets while providing and supporting the Torrance community with sound financial advice in a timely, cost effective and professional manner. Managing the department's $6.3 million General Fund budget, $28.5 million Self-Insurance budget and day-to-day operations is skillfully executed by 42 staff members. The Finance Director assists the City Manager with the Operating and Capital Improvement Plan budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and Investment Committee, and presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City's financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Responsibilities of the Finance Department includes
- Accounting
- Accounts Payable
- Audit-External/Internal
- Billing/Collection
- Budget-Operating/Capital
- Business License
- Central Cashiering
- Debt Financing
- Financial Reporting
- Payroll
- Purchasing
- Revenue
- Risk Management
- Worker's Compensation
The Position
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.Education and Experience
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 Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday, April 8, 2024. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates whose experience best meets the needs of the City and the Department will be invited to participate in an interview (weighted 100%).
The interview process will be conducted virtually and is tentatively scheduled for April 16, 2024,
The tentative test date will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
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Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees.