Accounting Technician (Payroll)

Salary : $68,036.80 - $82,700.80 Annually

Location : Murrieta, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 2025-12

Department : Finance

Opening Date : 02 / 20 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 14 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : MPC

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Technician (Payroll) to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Finance Department . The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancy within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION

Under direction, performs specialized and difficult technical accounting duties in connection with the preparation, review, and processing of payroll records and documents in a centralized payroll system; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned management and supervisory staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the fully qualified advanced journey-level classification in the technical accounting series. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the payroll unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Prepares and processes payroll, prepares electronic transfers for direct deposits, and ensures checks are accurate and completed as scheduled
• Coordinates payroll activities with other City departments and divisions
• Answers questions and advises on procedures in payroll transactions
• Identifies and resolves problems and inconsistencies, determining corrective entries involved in maintaining payroll controls
• Receives, reviews, verifies and processes payroll records, documents and other related material
• Reviews related payroll items for completeness, accuracy and compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), state and federal laws and other regulations
• Maintains records for various employee payroll deductions and leave reports
• Processes periodic billings for services such as association and union dues, attachments and other wage claims against employees
• Interprets payroll impact as related to proposed operational changes and MOU language related to payroll
• Releases payroll information to legally authorized agencies and City employees
• Prepares correspondence, reports, forms and other financial documents
• Generates and assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial, summary and technical reports
• Verifies, posts and records a variety of financial transactions
• Prepares and maintains databases, records, and a variety of periodic and special financial, accounting and statistical reports
• Generates reports by computer and balances them appropriately
• Enters and retrieves information and data using standard word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as accounting, financial, and other related electronic information systems specific to the department to which assigned
• Utilizes various computer software to carry out assigned payroll duties
• Assists customers, departments, and employees by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, general accounting procedures, and / or department specific issues and problems; researches issues regarding specific transactions; and updates related files and departments on action items
• Assists supervisor(s) with special projects as required
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Prepares W-2 forms and electronic file for submission and reporting
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required :

Highly Desired :

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

ABILITY TO

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at . SELECTION PROCESS Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, written exams, and writing exercises to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which include a pre-hire physical and Live Scan background investigation. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws. THE COMMUNITY Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

THE CITY OF MURRIETA ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Integrity

We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do.

Public Service

We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.

Professionalism

We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.

Teamwork

We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance.

Leadership

We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources, and cultivate a vision for the future.

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's or

Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12 / 30 / 2012)

Formula : 2.7% at 55

Formula : 2.0% at 60

Formula : 2.0% at 62

3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.

Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.

Note : The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.Responses such as, "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application.Proof of education is required.

Please select your highest level of education.

This position requires the equivalent of an associate's degree with major coursework in finance or accounting. Do you meet this qualification?

How many years of technical accounting experience do you have working in payroll?

Which types of government agencies have you worked for in a Payroll capacity? (Check all that apply)

How many years of customer service experience do you have?

How many years of experience do you have with CentralSquare OneSolution or Finance Enterprise?

Please describe your experience as it relates to the preparation, review, and processing of payroll records and documents in a centralized payroll. In your response, include :

Complete this information for EACH employer where this experience was gained. If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate N / A.

Please describe your experience as it relates to interpreting MOU and collective bargaining agreements. In your response, include :

Complete this information for EACH employer where this experience was gained. If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate N / A.

Required Question

Salary : $68,037 - $82,701