Payroll / Accounting Technician

Accounting Position

Perform governmental accounting functions involving independent decision and judgment in the process. Verification and maintenance of financial documents and records. Match, post, and input information. Verify and perform calculations. Assignments require accuracy, attention to detail, and problem / troubleshooting resolution. Assist across all Divisions as required or directed. Supervisor : Senior Accountant.

Novato Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and welcome and encourage qualified applicants of all ages, races, genders, and veteran status to apply. NOTE : Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are subject to a background check including, but not limited to, polygraph examination, DMV driving record review, Live Scan, psychological screening, medical evaluation, and drug screen.

Typical Tasks : The following are intended to indicate the basic nature of duties allocated to this class. This position may not perform all of these tasks and / or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Administer entire payroll process. Review, prepare and process payroll for all employees of the District; audit, verify and distribute paychecks; maintain, compute and monitor pay levels for all employees including pay differentials, step increases, cost of living adjustments, overtime and any adjustments to pay.
• Receive and respond to inquiries regarding payroll, taxes, payroll-related retirement and post-retirement reporting; payroll-related benefits, deductions and calculations; research and resolve concerns within a timely manner.
• Manage and maintain all payroll records including personnel action forms, deductions and withholdings, and retroactive payments.
• Work proactively with management in providing payroll analysis and management reporting.
• Compile information needed for lost wage calculations for Workers Compensation leaves; calculate supplemental leave usage and provide information to employees.
• Read and interpret Memorandums of Understanding, read and interpret departmental memos, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews Personnel Action Forms for new hires, promotions, salary increases, specialty pays, disciplinary actions, separations, and other personnel actions and enters relevant data into payroll system.
• Perform quarterly audits / reconciliations of accrued time off balances; ensure balances do not exceed limits.
• Conduct periodic reviews of MOUs and non-represented employment agreements to ensure payroll information is in accordance with contract provisions and benefit elections.
• Import payroll data into QuickBooks general ledger.
• Perform annual contribution limit checks for 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Submit semi-monthly payroll information for retirement contributions to MCERA.
• Process semi-monthly EFTs / ACH payments for retirement and benefits.
• Reconcile monthly payroll liability accounts (payroll taxes, deferred compensation, Association dues, retirement, garnishments, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, Retiree Health Savings accounts, and donations to Foundation).
• Prepare quarterly payroll reports for Workers Compensation.
• Set up new hires and process retirements (calculate final pay and issue final checks).
• Assist with implementation of new payroll software.
• Maintain payroll supporting documentation, and related reports.
• Support District operations and continuity of business during emergencies or activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), or as ordered by the Fire Chief.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge : Experience with payroll systems & processing, Fire District or other public safety employees payroll. Basic knowledge of English in written and spoken form. Office procedures, practices, and equipment. Intermediate skills in ADP, UKG Ready, or similar payroll system. Proficient with Microsoft Excel QuickBooks. Applicable rules, regulations and procedures affecting payroll functions including but not limited to, Memorandums of Understanding, Federal and State labor laws, and FLSA.

Abilities : Use of judgment and accuracy of numbers. Meeting critical deadlines. Maintain strict confidentiality, discretion, and tact in the performance of assigned duties. Work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and manage competing deadlines. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Understand, interpret, explain, and appropriately apply District policies and procedures. Prepare and maintain accurate reports and records. Organize work effectively. Anticipate and analyze problems and identify solutions. Deal tactfully and courteously with staff, other agencies, and the public.

Skills : Use computers in a windows format. Data entry. Word processing. Excel spreadsheets. Typical office equipment (computer, fax, copier, telephone, printer, shredder, calculator). Gain and maintain competency on new computer software programs.

Licenses and Certificates : Valid California Driver's License. High school diploma or GED certificate. Bookkeeping, payroll, and / or accounting certificate; or combination of prior training and experience to qualify candidate for the position. Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, highly desirable.

Training and Experience : Three to five years of progressively responsible accounting experience in private or governmental finance work, with experience in Fire District or other public safety payroll.

After one year of continuous service, members are entitled to 102 hours of vacation. Members accrue 8.5 hours of sick leave per month. Members may enroll in District sponsored medical, dental, vision, and voluntary life insurance coverage. The District will pay 80% of the applicable Kaiser medical premium towards the medical plan of the members choosing for member and eligible dependents. The District pays 100% of dental and vision premiums for the member and eligible dependents. The District provides $60,000 of life and AD&D coverage for each member. The District offers additional voluntary life insurance coverage for member, member's spouse, and member's children. The member is responsible for 100% of voluntary life insurance premium. AFLAC Coverage available. District sponsored employee assistance program (EAP), and County Peer Support Program. 457b deferred compensation retirement plan with District matching (optional employee enrollment). Retirement Health Savings account with District matching. New hires will join the Marin County Employees Retirement Association (MCERA) as a PEPRA employee at 2% at 62. 12 month probationary period. This position may receive Overtime, Compensatory Time, Physical Fitness time, and participate in Wellness / Fitness Education programs.