Payroll & Accounting Specialist

WORKING FOR PACIFIC SERVICE CREDIT UNION:

We put people first. That includes our members, our employees and the communities we serve. We hire energetic and enthusiastic people who want to work as part of our team.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Health insurance coverage: We provide our employees with 100% premium employer-paid medical, dental, vision, disability and basic life insurance for full-time employees and a low monthly premium for eligible dependents.

401k: We contribute 3% of your base salary to your 401k account regardless of whether you contribute or not. In addition, we match 75% of your contributions up to the first 3% of eligible compensation beginning after your first day of employment and up to 6% after three years of service. All employees are vested at 100% for the employer match beginning the first day of employment.

Bonus program: All employees are rewarded for attaining our annual organizational goals.

Tuition Reimbursement program for employees eligible after six months of service.

Recognition program where employees can be nominated by management, their peers or by members.

Employee referral bonus.

Student Loan Repayment Assistance: Contributions toward your student loans every month by the credit union after six months of service.

Employees are eligible to receive a consumer loan rate discount

Vacation and sick time: Full-time employees receive more than two weeks’ vacation per year, 11 paid holidays and 10 days of sick leave.

OUR HIRING PROCESS:

We believe it’s important for you to know where you stand in our hiring process. Below is an outline of the steps we take to make the best hires possible.

Apply: Submit your resume for one of our job openings.

Our Talent Team and our partner – Total Quality Consulting (TQC Team) will review your submitted information and will call or email successful applicants for an interview as soon as possible.

In-Person Interview: After a screening call with TQC, we’ll invite a final number of candidates to our office for an in-person interview or set up a live Zoom meeting with the hiring manager(s).

If we believe that you have what it takes, we'll make an offer and provide next steps in the hiring process!

ABOUT THIS ROLE:

At Pacific Service Credit Union, we are committed to strategic growth through trust, innovation, and operational excellence. By empowering our internal teams with the tools and support they need to succeed, we strengthen organizational efficiency, ensure compliance, and advance our mission of enhancing member financial well-being.

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for performing financial accounting functions while adhering to policies and procedures that ensure accurate and timely financial information for Pacific Service Credit Union. The role is responsible for delivering payroll and general accounting support, completing payroll processing, wire transfers, and related filings in compliance with federal, state, and ERISA regulations. The Payroll & Accounting Specialist prepares and reconciles general ledger accounts, researches and resolves complex discrepancies, and maintains confidential and sensitive information. The position supports financial reporting and regulatory compliance, contributes to process improvements, collaborates with auditors, regulators, and internal teams, and recommends solutions to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness.

This role requires an organized and dependable individual with strong communication skills and the ability to complete tasks accurately and on time. The position supports the team and organization by completing assigned projects, contributing to efforts that advance organizational goals and uphold core values, and assisting with day-to-day activities while enhancing member/service outcomes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for all credit union employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as labor laws and internal controls.
• Maintain payroll records, including wages, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and paid time off.
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, investigates discrepancies, and resolves issues promptly.
• Coordinate with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and benefit deductions.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues in a timely manner.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts, including accrued wages, payroll liabilities, and benefits payable.
• Support audits by preparing payroll documentation and responding to auditor requests.
• Assists with month-end and year-end general accounting close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Process daily outgoing member and corporate wire transfers in compliance with federal and state regulations, including BSA, Identity Theft Red Flags, and OFAC, while managing varying volumes and competing priorities.
• Conduct daily audits of critical accounts, including teller suspense, shares, loans, and general ledger clearing, and ensures accuracy in branch ATM balancing with Co-op reports.
• Prepare and posts journal entries, researches and resolves discrepancies, and collaborates across departments to address financial inquiries.
• Contribute to company innovation and continuous improvement. Foster a culture of evolution by adapting to changes, optimizing processes, and contributing to the growth and success of the organization.
• Demonstrate accountability in your work by taking ownership of responsibilities, setting clear goals, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality results. Act with integrity, follow through on commitments, and uphold professional standards.
• Support and uphold company culture by aligning your work with the credit union’s mission and values, contributing to a positive, high-performing environment.
• Demonstrate dependable performance including attendance and punctuality, recognizing that it is essential to organizational excellence and operational success.
• Comply with all anti-money laundering laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC regulations, and the USA PATRIOT Act, as well as all related policies and procedures.

SUPPORTING FUNCTIONS:

• Provide back-up and support to management, as directed.
• Performs special projects and other responsibilities, as directed.

COMPETENCIES:

The following competencies are essential for success in this role:

Job knowledge: Demonstrates solid job expertise; learns and applies new skills effectively; works with minimal supervision; understands how work impacts others; uses resources efficiently.

Effective communication: Communicates clearly and concisely; tailors messages to audience needs; engages listeners; keeps stakeholders informed.

Problem solving: Identifies issues early; gathers and analyzes information effectively; develops alternatives; resolves problems promptly; contributes productively to group solutions.

Quality of work: Delivers accurate, thorough work; proactively reviews processes; prevents recurring issues; ensures deliverables meet all standards, expectations, and deadlines.

Member focus: Shows courtesy and professionalism; manages difficult situations constructively; meets commitments; responds promptly; seeks feedback to improve service.

Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships; demonstrates tact and professionalism; supports others; works cooperatively; helps resolve conflicts productively.

Execution: Translates strategy into action; pursues goals with focus and urgency; commits the necessary effort; implements plans efficiently and delivers results within required timeframes.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in Accounting, Finance or related discipline, required.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of full-cycle payroll processing experience, with California payroll experience and knowledge of Regular Rate of Pay (RROP).
• Minimum of one (1) year of staff-level accounting experience, preferably within a financial institution.
• Experience with general ledger and month-end close processes, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet reconciliations, strongly preferred.
• Proficient in accounting software with advanced skills in Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Must be proficient in computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrate familiarity with fundamental accounting principles and practices.
• Analyze data from various sources, recognize issues and formulate solutions to resolve the issues.
• Understand the interdependence between Finance department processes and credit union departments and branches.
• Knowledge of Symitar, ADP, and SAP Concur software systems, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Hearing: Ability to hear and comprehend spoken communication in person and over the phone.

Vision: Ability to view computer screens and read documentation with clarity and accuracy.

Verbal Communication: Ability to speak clearly and effectively to interact with colleagues and/or members. Frequent use of telephone headset may be required.

Manual Dexterity: Proficient use of hands and fingers for typing, operating office equipment, and handling documents.

Posture and Endurance: Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for extended periods; adjustable sit/stand desk options may be available to support comfort.

Mobility: Ability to move within the office environment to attend meetings or assist colleagues, as needed.

Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 lbs.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Hours Required: A work schedule of Monday through Friday, generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some alternate work schedules. This position is eligible for the credit union's telecommute policy.

Travel Requirements: Less than 10% local travel required. Limited travel during the work schedule, primarily for training, meetings, or special projects.

Work Environment: This position is based in a climate-controlled office environment with ergonomic workstations in a two-story building with an elevator. Subject to standard background noise found in an office environment. Natural light from large windows, supplemented by artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working atmosphere.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.