Payroll Specialist

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Support meaningful payroll and finance operations that directly impact our employees
• Opportunity to expand your finance and payroll skills in the public sector
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources, citywide departmental staff, and benefit providers to enhance payroll services
• Enjoy a flexible work environment with a 9/80 schedule that supports work-life balance

DESCRIPTION

The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our team!  We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. As a key member of the Finance Department’s Accounting Team, the Payroll Specialist will perform a variety of payroll and accounting responsibilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as internal City policies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process and review biweekly payroll transactions
• Maintain and reconcile payroll records with the general ledger
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and internal policies
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and deductions, and resolve issues
• Collaborate with Human Resources and other departments on payroll changes
• Prepare reports, journal entries, quarterly, and annual tax filings and W-2s
• Collaborate with benefit providers and reconcile accounts
• Train staff on payroll systems and procedures

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Ability to interpret, explain, and implement payroll regulations
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles
• Demonstrated ability to effectively solve problems; ability to think creatively and independently
• Knowledge of financial reporting and reconciliation
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, databases)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented and excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinker
• Results Oriented
• Customer-Focused
• Technically Knowledgeable
• Flexible & Adaptable
• Organized & Accountable 

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in payroll or related field.
• Valid Class C California Driver’s License

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial recordkeeping, including a minimum of 1 year experience in payroll