Job Details

Payroll Technician

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Position Number: 6848928
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
Position Type: Business - Accounting

Location

501 Main Street Half Moon Bay, 94019

Description

Why Consider The City of Half Moon Bay?

The City of Half Moon Bay is a collaborative, service-oriented organization committed to providing high-quality services to the community. Employees have the opportunity to work in a beautiful coastal city while supporting the City Council's goals related to infrastructure, sustainability, community well-being, economic vitality, and public engagement.

The City is seeking a Payroll Technician to support the Finance Department. Under general direction of the Finance Manager or Administrative Services Director, the Payroll Technician performs payroll and related financial recordkeeping functions.

Primary areas of responsibility include payroll processing, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements, and general finance support as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares and processes the full cycle semi-monthly payroll;

Sets up and maintains employee master file records in the payroll system;

Reviews personnel action forms (PAFs) and other employee deduction and contribution forms for completeness and accuracy and makes necessary entries into the payroll system;

Reviews time and attendance records for accuracy and compliance with various MOUs and City policies;

Reviews system-generated FLSA overtime payments, various payroll deductions and fringe benefit calculations and makes necessary adjustments;

Performs retroactive pay calculations and applies adjustments;

Runs trial payroll and reviews for accuracy; makes corrections as needed;

Analyzes various payroll reports for error and out-of-balance messages and reconciles any discrepancies;

Generates pay checks and direct deposits;

Calculates separation payouts, including lump sum leave payouts and contributions to deferred compensation plans;

Prepares spreadsheets to record and track disbursements;

Creates accounts payable claims for payment of payroll liabilities and assists in reconciling payroll clearing accounts;

Tracks accrued payroll tax liability, monitors deadlines and prepares tax deposits;

Assists employees with various questions and requests for information;

Receives and researches requirements for wage assignment orders and tax levies and implements related deductions;

With guidance from Human Resources, Interprets and applies MOU provisions and City policies and procedures;

Receives and completes various forms, surveys and verifications of employment;

Assists in the preparation and reconciliation of annual W-2 forms;

Establishes and maintains effective communication and working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, retirees and all external customers; and

Maintains a variety of payroll records and assists with gathering information requested by auditors or in response to Public Records Act requests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The ability to maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence, statistical data and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone service and communicating in person. The need to lift, drag and push files, computer reports or other materials weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

Job Description URL:

https://www.halfmoonbay.gov/379/Job-Classifications-Compensation

Ideal Candidate

Ideal Candidate

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Sufficient education and experience to satisfactorily perform the duties of a Payroll Technician. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent. Up to two years of college level course work in accounting or a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis., supplemented with courses in accounting, business, or a related field. American Payroll Certification is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience that includes bookkeeping, payroll, financial record keeping or other clerical accounting experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of payroll processing and financial recordkeeping

Basic accounting concepts applicable to payroll, including reconciliations and audit trails

Payroll laws, regulations, and requirements, including FLSA concepts, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, and wage assignments

Accounts payable processes related to payroll liabilities and benefit payments

Methods and techniques for maintaining payroll journals, ledgers, and supporting documentation

Preparation and review of payroll and standard financial reports

Modern office practices, procedures, and standard business equipment

Basic clerical and record-retention procedures

Ability to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, spreadsheet and software applications

Accurately maintain a variety of financial records, journals and files

Accurately count, record and balance transactions

Independently make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately

Operate a computer terminal, calculator and other office equipment

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Provide excellent customer service

Plan, coordinate and organize work to meet deadlines

Perform a wide variety of office support functions and many tasks at the same time

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Benefits

Retirement: PERS Classic employee receives 2% at 55; single highest year and PEPRA employee receives 2% at 62, with highest 3 years average. Classic employees pay 7% employee contribution and PEPRA employees pay half the normal costs (currently 8.25%). The City of Half Moon Bay does not participate in Social Security, except the required Medicare.

Health Insurance: Employee can choose from medical plans provided through CalPERS. Dental Insurance is available through Delta Dental and Vision coverage is available through VSP. The City will pay the MINIMUM employer contribution required under PEMHCA and an allowance of $1,900 per month, which can be used for medical premiums. Any unused portion may be taken as additional compensation.

Dental and Vision premiums are paid by the employer up to family coverage.

Other Insurance: The City provides a long-term disability coverage equal to 2/3 of monthly salary to a maximum of $6,000.

Life Insurance: City provides $75,000 coverage.

Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.

Vacation: Accrual of 12 days annually for the first four years; increasingly periodically thereafter to 23 days annually after 21 years.

Sick Leave: Accrual at the rate of 12 days per year.

Education Incentive: $1,500 annually for eligible expenses upon approval.

Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in MissionSquare or CalPERS 457 plans are available.

Special Instructions

APPLICATION PROCESS

Filing Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

To be considered, submit a complete online application and current resume CalOpps. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.

SELECTION PROCESS Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on information provided on the employment application. the exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, and written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternative testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION WILL BE VIA-E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held at the City of Half Moon Bay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Half Moon Bay is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Candidates needing accommodation in the recruitment process should advise Human Resources when submitting their application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Half Moon Bay employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

For questions, please contact Kenneth Stiles at hr@halfmoonbay.gov

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone:

(650)435-8257

Contact email:

hr@halfmoonbay.gov