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This is an SEIU Hourly (limited benefits) position that is budgeted to not exceed 1,000 hours per fiscal year. The number of hours per week and schedule will be determined based on assignment.
 

Exciting Opportunity! 
The Administrative Services Department (ASD) provides services to the Palo Alto community and internal city staff. With nine divisions, ASD is responsible for the management and administration of City financial matters such as accounting, budget, investments and treasury, as well as SAP program function, real estate, two city warehouses, and printing and mailing.

ASD is seeking an enthusiastic, detail oriented and dedicated individual to join our Payroll team. The Payroll department is a fast paced and deadline driven department. This opportunity will allow you to interact with all departments within the City, while supporting their payroll.  The City processes in house approximately 1400 paychecks on a bi-weekly basis, including taxes, third party payments, pension and other benefits. This position reports to the Senior Accountant in Payroll.


Ideal Candidate: 

• Able to rapidly learn and perform tasks related to the City's payroll policies and procedures while following MOA and Federal and State rules and regulations.
• Capable to provide clear written and verbal communication to employees and third parties regarding Payroll matters
• Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrated ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Consistently provide strong customer service and follow-up with payroll inquiries
• Highly motivated and able to thrive and think clearly under pressure, tight deadlines in a high-volume environment
• Ability to provide Accounting support and analyze and interpret payroll balance sheet accounts
• Strong team player with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a focus on organizational impact and enthusiasm to learn and take on new tasks
• Able to make professional and sound decisions in manners consistent with City policy and procedures, and professional standards (technical and ethical)
• Ability to work closely and cohesively with a small team
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office product suite.
• SAP Payroll experience preferred

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains and updates employee master data, including direct deposits, tax withholding, garnishments, deferred compensation and other payroll related information
• Review and process documents relating to employee hires, terminations and retirements.
• Audit HR and Payroll entry on employee records to ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Responds to employee inquiries regarding paycheck and timecard questions.
• Explains and interprets payroll policy and procedures with reference to the City's various MOAs, Merit System Rules, FLSA, and State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Process CalPERS Pension and Health insurance payments and adjustments.
• Responds to external payroll inquiries from third party vendors, banks, and agencies.
• Prepares FSA reporting on a bi-weekly basis
• Processes timecards, paychecks and third party reporting in SAP on a bi-weekly basis
• Provides administrative support to Sr Accountant/Manager as required
• Performs Payroll related account reconciliations
• Assists with Payroll tax computations and reporting
• Prepares complex payroll calculations and analysis
• Uses computers, software programs, other technology tools, and office equipment relevant to the department needs to perform a variety of administrative and technical tasks as assigned.   
• Runs and creates payroll reports for timekeeping and payroll processing, and as needed
• Provides feedback and analysis of payroll system results
• Assist with Payroll system testing
• Provides excellent customer service to all City staff
• Works closely with HR, SAP Functional and Accounting teams

Education, training and/or work experience which demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Two years’ experience in accounting and/or payroll office preferred.