Payroll Analyst II

Job Summary

*OPEN ONLY TO CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED AN INITIAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD.

Participates in the routine processing of the City’s payroll functions and works with the Payroll Administrator to plan for and conduct non-routine processes. Identifies and troubleshoots payroll processing problems and coordinates efforts to resolve problems and improve ongoing operations.

SUPERVISION
Works under the general supervision of the Payroll Administrator . Work direction is provided to Payroll Specialists.

Representative Duties

Participates in bi-weekly payroll processing in accordance with various Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)s, employment contracts, and federal and state rules and regulations, including but not limited to Public Employers Retirement Law, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, California State Franchise Tax Board, Fair Labor Standards Act, and California Government Code.

Utilizes the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to process and record payroll and provide a multitude of reports to City staff and government agencies.

Prepares and coordinates the recordkeeping and transfer of funds for payroll-related costs, pension benefit costs and deferred compensation and numerous other payroll deductions including donations to charities, bargaining unit dues, and insurance-related deductions.

Maintains records of hours worked for City employees, using both manual and electronic timekeeping systems.

Maintains accrual balances for sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and various other leaves in accordance with the City’s Memoranda of Understanding (MOU’s).

Researches information, conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses, and prepares associated recommendations and reports.

Provides input regarding the formulation of policies and procedures to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Prepares required state and federal reports, including reports for CalPERS

and other governmental agencies.

Participates in the preparation of an annual payout for cashable leave day and sick leave.

Assists the Financial Operations Manager and interdepartmental teams in establishing and forecasting payroll-related costs for budgetary and planning purposes.

Leads the processing of court-ordered adjustments to payroll, such as child support and non-payment of taxes.

Coordinates with Human Resources Department and Information Systems Department staff to implement retroactive and prospective payroll changes.

Assists the Payroll Administrator in the preparation of annual and quarterly employer tax returns and W-2s.

Responds to inquiries related to retirement final compensation, retroactive adjustments, and miscellaneous payroll inquiries.

Assists the Payroll Administrator in the preparation and reconciliation of payroll accounts to the general ledger and prepare necessary correcting journal entries, fiduciary fund reconciliation, general ledger interface preparation, monthly and quarterly journal entries.

Develops and implements training programs and materials for end-users.

Performs routine updates and maintenance of the payroll system, including maintenance of pay codes and work orders.

Assists in the implementation, configuration, maintenance, testing and training on new or modified payroll systems.

May assist Payroll Specialists in processing changes to withholdings, savings plans, deferred compensation, deductions for donations and other payroll transactions.

Assists in the development of best practices and improvements to payroll processes.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods, and practices of California local government payroll operations

Local government accounting principles, standards, practices and systems

Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to payroll administration

CalPERS rules and regulations

Public Employee Retirement Law

Use of ERP software systems, spreadsheet, and word processing programs

Modern office practices and procedures

Quantitative and qualitative management analysis techniques

Principles and techniques of providing work direction to others

Principles of training

Principles of customer service

Ability to:

Analyze, interpret, and explain laws, rules, regulations, MOUs, and employment

contracts

Analyze and interpret payroll related financial data

Create, prepare, and maintain accurate records and reports

Lead and coordinate the work of others

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Meet deadlines and respond to divergent needs of City departments concurrently, making optimal use of resources

Follow written and oral instructions

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with City employees, various businesses and agencies and the general public

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree

AND

Four years of recent, paid and progressively responsible finance experience, including three years of professional level experience in payroll administration. Municipal payroll experience and experience leading and coordinating the work of others is desirable.

Supplemental Information

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced 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. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

HOW TO APPLY :

All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE : You must submit a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma with your application if you wish for your education to be considered when evaluating your application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS:

All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Testing may consist of the following:
Training & Experience Evaluation - Qualifying
Oral Interview - 90%
Seniority - 10%

NOTE: Applicants must have completed an initial probationary period by the filing date and have permanent status with the City of Santa Monica.

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note that the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS :
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions. Must be able to handle a high volume of work and meet deadlines. Office work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen. Physical demands include frequent sitting, standing, reaching, bending, and lifting. On occasion, may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 5/29/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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