Accountant (Payroll) (Open-Competitive)

Application and Selection Process

TO APPLY: Each applicant must submit a City of El Segundo Employment Application and respond to the Supplemental Qualifications Questionnaire online.  Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process.  The testing process will consist of a written exam (pass/fail) and a structural technical oral interview (weighted 100%).

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

Positions in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:

• Coordinates and performs accounting operational functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general journal; 
• Evaluates accounting procedures and fiscal practices and recommends and assists in implementing new or revised accounting systems, procedures and records;
• Participates in developing computer programs for accounting analyses;
• May assist with bi-weekly payroll warrants, payroll registers and reports; 
• Prepares magnetic media for storage of payroll records; 
• Prepares tax return and other reporting documentation related to payroll matters;
• Compiles routine reports related to payroll activity; merges payroll records in Finance System;
• Prepares detailed accounting, statistical and narrative financial statements and reports requiring analysis and interpretation of source data; 
• Administers designated accounts and programs; 
• Performs both general ledger and bank account reconciliations and prepares related work sheets, cash balances, proofs and schedules;
• Provides professional level staff support;
• Conducts and/or coordinates internal and external audits of financial records;
• Examines, analyzes and verifies documents to ensure adherence to established internal controls and accepted professional standards;
• Monitors, coordinates and makes adjustments to accounting subsystems; 
• Assists in closing the City's financial records at the end of the accounting period;
• Assists with annual year-end audit and other periodic compliance audits throughout the year; 
• Assists in budget preparation and interfaces with departments in preparing annual budget; 
• Coordinates and reviews work of fiscal and clerical staff in making entries, reconciliations and performing other fiscal record keeping work;
• Regularly and predictably attends work; and
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance, Finance Manager or Revenue Manager, as needed.

Payroll:

• Coordinates and performs payroll accounting operational functions; evaluates accounting procedures and fiscal practices and recommends and assists in implementing new or revised payroll accounting systems, procedures and records; participates in developing computer programs for payroll accounting analyses; and
• Prepares bi-weekly payroll warrants, payroll registers and reports; prepares magnetic media for storage of payroll records; prepares tax return and other reporting documentation related to payroll matters; compiles routine reports related to payroll activity; merges payroll records in Finance System; serves as the payroll/timekeeping liaison with department timekeepers, employees and management; prepares handbooks and manuals related to payroll procedures and conducts training related to payroll processing.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

• Principles and practices of accounting and auditing, including governmental accounting and budgeting; including best practices related to internal controls and accounting procedures;
• Data processing applications related to accounting and budgeting procedures and practices, as well as general office procedures; and
• Basic principles and practices of supervision.

• Applying and adapting established accounting principles and procedures to a variety of City accounting applications;
• Interpreting and applying accounting-related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Performing professional level staff support related to the administration of the City's employer-employee relations program;
• Analyzing data and drawing logical conclusions;
• Preparing and maintaining accurate reports and records;
• Using standard office computer programs, including spreadsheets;
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
•  Operating computers and related software;
• Appearing for work on time;
• Following directions from a supervisor;
• Understanding and following posted work rules and procedures;
• Accepting constructive criticism; and
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees and the public, and in functioning effectively in a confidential work environment.

Working Conditions: Typical office environment.

Experience: Two (2) years of accounting-related experience is required. Experience processing payroll transactions and performing complex calculations pertaining to employee earnings for the payroll assignment is preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree (120 units) with major coursework in accounting, business administration or a closely related field is required.

Licensing/Certificates: Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.

Salary : $6,614 - $8,413