Payroll Coordinator presso Gold Coast Transit District (CA), CA

About the Department

This position is responsible for all aspects of payroll preparation, including payroll system data maintenance, timekeeping oversight, payroll calculations, pension calculations, payroll deductions, garnishments, payroll taxes, and other payroll-related duties as assigned.  This role works to ensure the successful completion of accurate and timely payroll processing.  

Position Duties

• Prepare and process biweekly payroll for all GCTD employees; review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets; calculate and process payroll adjustments; payroll taxes, garnishments, and other special payroll deductions; process all payroll forms of payment, including off-cycle payroll
• Collaborate efforts between Payroll, Human Resources and other departments to ensure proper flow and maintenance of employee records and data with the highest level of confidentiality
• Establish/maintain accurate employee payroll records; ensure that employee changes are entered correctly and made on a timely basis; review changes for proper authorization and adherence to GCTD policy, federal/state/local regulations, union Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), GCTD Personnel Rules, and CalPERS payroll-related requirements, etc.
• Reconcile and process payments of taxes, all deductions, check/Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) requests, and retirement contributions
• Reconcile, prepare, mail, and/or distribute quarterly and annual state/federal tax returns, W-2s, 1095-Cs and any other required notifications/reports to employees or any government agency
• Coordinate schedule changes with all GCTD departments and employee health benefits program for employee cost share
• Calculate, prepare, and implement pay rate changes, deductions, and benefit accruals
• Prepare all payroll-related reports, investigate inquiries for employees; respond to information requests from GCTD management, regulators, public agencies, employee representatives (union) or other stakeholders as directed
• Coordinate payroll integration for employees on Worker’s Compensation, State Disability, etc.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot payroll application programs and interfaces
• Assist with employment verification, bank reconciliations, and backup for other accounting tasks as required
• Develop and maintain payroll-related spreadsheets; compile, analyze and audit information from all relevant sources. Research and resolve discrepancies
• Complete and process enrollment and termination forms for submission of retirement contributions to the California Public Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Extract payroll data from payroll system and upload to FleetNet. Reconcile the payroll expenses accounts and all payroll liabilities accounts monthly to make sure all areas record accurately
• Conduct CalPERS manual review and correction
• Actively develop and recommend solutions for issues and procedures for continual efficiency improvement
• Maintain and implement current working knowledge of union MOU’s related to payroll, payroll laws, regulations, procedures, and GCTD policies and procedures.
• Serve as back up of accounting specialist
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability needed to perform this role.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate Degree in Accounting or related field is required 
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field is preferred
• Minimum of three (3) or more years of direct experience administering payroll and its related functions
• Additional work experience may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis
• Experience utilizing computerized accounting software strongly preferred

Other Qualifications

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.

Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by state law, and insurability by GCTD carrier for those driving GCTD vehicle.

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, data reporting, accounting/payroll programs and related business software  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to successfully follow instructions, impart information at all organizational levels and to the public and present information 
• Capable interpersonal skills, a strong cross-functional team player with the ability to operate independently
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Maintains a high level of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism.  
• Ability to perform in a high demand, dynamic environment and appropriately manage established deadlines and/or expectations
• Strong data entry skills
• Occasionally travel for company business using reliable transportation.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality
• Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hear, see, sit, stand, keyboard/type, conduct repetitive motions, use dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, and occasionally balance, bend stoop climb up and down stairs, alternate standing/sitting, climb ladders/steps, kneel, reach at, below, or above shoulder level, squat, and lift/carry up to 40 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may interact with the general public.  The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.  

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS:
The process includes a job-specific pre-employment physical and drug screening to be completed by an industrial health clinic of our choice; criminal background and references will also be checked. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successful completion of this pre-employment process.

About Gold Coast Transit District
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is a publicly owned transit agency which provides local bus service to the western portion of Ventura County. The agency, originally known as South Coast Area Transit, was organized in 1973 when the Ventura City Transit Lines and the Oxnard Municipal Bus Lines were merged to provide better transportation service both within and between the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura and the unincorporated areas of western Ventura County between these cities.

Immigration & Control Act of 1986
 In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gold Coast Transit District is an Equal Opportunity (at will) Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual preference, gender identity, religion, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, mental condition, or any other category protected by state or federal law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance, please contact GCTD’s Human Resources at (805) 483-3959, Ext 138