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Payroll Specialist I en City of Carson, CA

City of Carson, CA · Carson, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite

70.512,00 US$  -  90.001,00 US$

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About the Department



The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Payroll Specialist I.

The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Payroll Specialist I. 


Come join the City of Carson Finance Department!
 

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, detail-oriented professional with more than three years of payroll or accounting clerical experience, ideally within a public or governmental agency. They bring prior payroll experience, including retirement reporting (CalPERS), and are comfortable working with sensitive employee data with the highest level of confidentiality and accuracy.

This individual is highly proficient in Excel and familiar with modern payroll systems, with knowledge of Tyler Munis considered a strong plus. They thrive in a deadline-driven environment, are skilled in preparing and processing payroll, auditing timesheets, reconciling discrepancies, and maintaining accurate employee records. Their ability to interpret and apply complex payroll policies, retirement reporting requirements, and applicable wage and hour laws ensures accuracy and compliance in every payroll cycle.

Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—allow the candidate to assist employees with payroll inquiries, prepare clear reports, and coordinate effectively across departments and with external agencies. A commitment to accuracy, integrity, and customer service is key to success in this role.

Vacancy Information:
There is one (1) current full-time (FLSA Non-exempt) vacancy, with a 4/10 schedule: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or work schedule may be changed based on the needs of the City.


Job Summary:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, performs routine accounting work related to the preparation, processing, and maintenance of payroll.  The Payroll Specialist I is the entry-level classification in the two-level job series.  Incumbents perform routine and varied payroll duties. The Payroll Specialist II performs difficult and complex responsibilities which require substantial knowledge of City accounting and payroll policies and procedures.

Position Duties

(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)
 
  1. Performs maintenance of payroll records, payroll forms, files, and documents necessary for proper calculation and documentation for all City employees.
  2. Prepares payrolls which include computing and adjusting pay, auditing time sheets, preparing payroll transaction code documents, and posting, balancing, and registering employee deductions.
  3. Prepares reports of income tax withheld and submits to the City Treasurer's Office.
  4. Audits and remits payment for a variety of City programs and/or benefits, including but not limited to, health, dental, vision, life insurance and employees' tax sheltered annuity accounts.
  5. Prepares numerous payroll related reports, including but not limited to, unemployment claims, employees' organizations, verifications of employment and salary reports.
  6. Maintains accurate files and records, including but not limited to, health, dental and vision insurance, union dues and other deductions.
  7. Provides technical assistance to employees regarding sick leave and vacation policies and other payroll matters.
  8. Conducts detailed research of past payroll and vacation and sick leave records in response to inquiries from county and state agencies and court subpoenas.
  9. Receives and processes court, Franchise Tax Board, and IRS orders to withhold earnings from employee's payroll checks.
  10. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or GED and three (3) years of full-time, paid accounting clerical experience.  Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Knowledge of:

  • Accounting principles, practices and procedures.
  • Basic methods and procedures used to process payrolls.
  • Reporting formats and terminology.
  • Modern business office practices and procedures, including filing systems.
  • Interpersonal skills, using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
  • General record keeping and bookkeeping practices.
  • Personal computer software and hardware.
  • Office practices and procedures.


Skill and/or Ability to:

  • Interpret, apply and explain policies and pertinent laws, rules, and regulations related to payroll, leaves, claims, and other deductions.
  • Make mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Prepare and maintain payroll records and reports in electronic format.
  • Operate office equipment such as calculator, computer and related software.
  • Perform computer data entry rapidly and accurately.
  • Understand and carry out instructions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.
  • Work confidentially with discretion.
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Other Qualifications

Employee accommodations for physical and mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Positions in this class normally:

  • Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
  • Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects. 
  • Perform work which is primarily sedentary.
  • Required to work at a computer terminal for prolonged periods.
  • Is subject to inside environmental conditions.
  • May be required to work evening and/or weekends.
Recruitment Process: This recruitment will close at 6:00pm on September 23, 2025. The City of Carson reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:  
  • SME Review, no weight 
  • Selection Interview, weighted 100%

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights.   Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant’s indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment. 

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualifying candidates will be interviewed and considered for employment on a "first come-first served" basis. Candidates interested in these positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Appointment:  

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information:  

The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.
  
In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the report's accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act
 
The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at (310) 952-1736.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  This recruitment is open.    

CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.

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