Payroll Specialist

The Position

Under general supervision, performs a variety of payroll related duties; ensures accurate preparation and processing of payroll; generates and balance payroll reports and records; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing paraprofessional and administrative duties in support of payroll processing. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Supervision Exercised and Received

May exercise limited supervision over staff. Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory / management personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

Examples of Typical Job Functions

The typical job functions of the classification may include, but are not limited to, the functions below and are subject to changes in operational necessity.

• Processes and oversees payroll, including data entry, calculation of wages, overtime, and deductions; ensures accuracy and timeliness of payroll transactions.
• Receives, reviews, verifies and processes timecards to prepare payroll for City employees; enters changes generated by Human Resources and calculates payroll batches; prepares and balances payroll reports and records.
• Processes California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) reporting including any adjustment reports; extracts CalPERS records and creates files in the City's payroll system; modifies records as needed; verifies information and adjusts records related to retroactive pay increases and special compensation, as needed.
• Performs payroll audits for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with rules, regulations, and Memorandum of Understandings and to identify discrepancies and reconcile errors; investigates and resolves payroll-related issues.
• Reconciles and prepares a variety of payroll reports including quarterly and annual, federal, and state tax reports, earnings, deductions, wage garnishments, and W-2's; reconciles and processes payments made to payroll vendors and benefit and service providers.
• Administers employee benefits; ensures accurate deductions and contributions.
• Performs mathematical and calculations of salary, deductions, leave adjustments, wage attachments and other payroll related adjustments.
• Oversees and maintains the payroll system, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and security; collaborates with IT and vendors to resolve system issues.
• For more detailed information about this job classification, visit Payroll Specialist.

Qualifications

Experience and Education Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education : Equivalent to an associate degree in business, accounting, finance or a related field.

Experience : Two (2) years of technical payroll support experience in a public agency setting.

Additional Information

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the hiring department :

Deadline to Apply :

November 17th, 2025, at 5 : 00 pm

Review of Submissions :

Ongoing

Interviews :

Week of December 1st, 2025

The City of San Leandro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding ADA accommodations or Veteran's preference, please visit the City's FAQ page.