Payroll Specialist I

Alameda County Superior Court•Oakland, CA

7d•$70,221 - $86,611•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Payroll Specialist I performs a variety of technical and administrative work in the preparation and processing of Court-wide in-house payroll and personnel actions without the use of a third-party provider; verifies employee time is recorded and coded appropriately; ensures employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and union agreements; and performs other related duties as assigned. This is the first working level in which incumbents receive formalized and on-the-job training in processing in-house payroll functions and performs a variety of technical and clerical work following established procedures.

Requirements

Possession of an Associate’s degree from an accredited college in accounting or business administration or a related field
The equivalent of one year of full-time clerical and administrative payroll experience
Knowledge of basic principles, practices and terminology related to payroll processing
Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting payroll practices, including FLSA requirements
Knowledge of methods of coding and classifying payroll documents
Knowledge of basic record keeping methods
Knowledge of research techniques
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and payroll software applications
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment and personal computers
Knowledge of effective oral communication techniques
Knowledge of basic principles of leadership
Ability to understand and apply payroll record keeping practices
Ability to determine proper accounting codes and classifications for transactions
Ability to interpret and apply payroll policy and negotiated employee agreements
Ability to operate calculators, personal computers (including hardware and a variety of relevant software programs), and other office equipment
Ability to communicate effectively in person or by telephone with the public and staff
Ability to assist in scheduling, assigning and prioritizing the work of others
Ability to train, coach and review others' work for technical accuracy and compliance with administrative and legal requirements
Ability to make oral presentations to staff on payroll and benefit related matters
Ability to research and analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions
Ability to provide back-up support to manager as needed
Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and others
Ability to work independently and as member of a team
Ability to work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions
Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
Successful completion of fingerprint check
Provision of appropriately identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Additional qualifying work experience as described above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year (2080 hours) of additional qualifying experience will be considered equivalent to 30 semester units/45 quarter units.

Responsibilities

Prepares payroll and related documents (i.e. quarterly tax reports, mass payment and benefits uploads, arrears payment memos, etc.); reviews for accuracy, completeness and compliance with payroll procedures; reviews and adjusts attendance and timesheet records; calculates or checks gross pay, overtime and other supplemental pay and pay adjustments.
Reviews, files, and maintains payroll records in paper and electronic format.
Processes payroll-related transactions (i.e. new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, promotions, transfers, reclassifications, vacation sell requests, etc.).
Responds to inquiries from payroll partner units, employees, retirement system staffing, and vendors regarding payroll related information.
Conducts research to resolve payroll related issues and identifies solutions.
Maintains reports from electronic timecard systems and any relevant supplemental documentation or information for each pay period.
Verifies employment and completes written verification of salaries.
Prepares payroll-related reports; compiles payroll reports to support payments to vendors and reconciles invoices.
Processes wage garnishment and levies in accordance with regulations as prescribed by regulatory authorities.
Reads, learns, interprets and explains various rules, MOU's and policies as they affect the payroll process.
May review their peers’ work to verify that the data is accurate before processing.
Assists in evaluations and analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the payroll system and processes; recommends changes in policies or procedures. Assists in developing and updating payroll related informational materials and job aids.
Tests new or updated business processes.
Compiles routine and periodic statistical reports; assembles, sorts and tabulates data for inclusion in reports and requests for information related to audits or policy decisions.
Provides assistance to employees on payroll and benefit related matters; conducts research to resolve payroll and benefit related problems and identifies solutions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.