Payroll and Accounting Technician

The City of Rancho Cordova is seeking a Payroll and Accounting Technician who is detail-oriented, organized, and committed to accuracy and excellence. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a collaborative, customer-focused approach to supporting City employees. This role requires a professional who can balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure the timely and precise processing of payroll and accounting transactions in a fast-paced environment. This position in the Administrative Services – Finance Department plays a vital role in the City's financial operations. The Payroll and Accounting Technician processes the City's bi-weekly and monthly payroll, reconciles payroll and general ledger accounts, ensures compliance with payroll laws and reporting requirements, and maintains accurate financial records. The position also assists with benefit invoicing, financial reconciliations, and special projects that enhance the City's internal operations and employee services. Ideal Candidate Demonstrates accuracy, integrity, and strong attention to detail Excels at managing complex payroll and accounting tasks Understands principles and practices of municipal finance and payroll Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all matters Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment Provides exceptional service and support to internal City staff If this describes your skills and work style, we encourage you to APPLY TODAY and join our dedicated Finance team at the City of Rancho Cordova Recruitment will remain open continuously until filled – Apply early Applications received by November 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. will be part of the first review. Benefits of Working for the City of Rancho Cordova Choice of a generous monthly stipend for Medical/Dental/Vision or Cash in Lieu of Medical Insurance. 13 paid holidays per year. Universal Time Off (combined vacation and sick leave). CalPERS Retirement. Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500/fiscal year The City of Rancho Cordova is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Alternate work schedules available Onsite fitness area & many more employee perks. Responsibilities Payroll Processes the City's bi-weekly and monthly payroll by reviewing timecard entries for timely submission and accuracy, calculating special pay and retroactive adjustments, confirming the accuracy of payroll information in the system, and ensuring that payroll is submitted by the deadline each pay period. Processes payroll taxes close quarter and year-end; reconcile quarterly tax reports to the General Ledger. Extracts payroll data from the City's Human Resources and Information System (HRIS) and post into the City's financial system; maintains a high level of proficiency in utilizing the City's Payroll and HRIS. Serves as the payroll point of contact for the organization by providing payroll information and advice on payroll policies and procedures. Reconciles the General Ledger payroll accounts monthly and identifies adjusting entries. Processes, codes, and reconciles invoices for various benefit plans and ensures timely payment. Assists in the maintenance of employee benefit elections in various benefit systems. Reviews and processes personnel transactions for the City's payroll system, if applicable; identifies errors or deviations and resolves with department staff. Monitors temporary employee and retiree annuitant hours to ensure maximum hours are not exceeded and that employees are enrolled/unenrolled in benefits based on hours worked. Prepares various payroll reports for internal and external purposes; maintain payroll files and confidential reports. Prepares special reports and/or supplemental data for required forms as necessary; develops spreadsheets of varying sizes and complexity; utilizes database management systems. Makes mathematical and/or statistical calculations of salary, deductions, leave adjustments, wage attachments and other payroll related adjustments. Responds to employee questions and request for assistance concerning payroll actions. Maintain confidentiality of records and information concerning other city employees that is part of the payroll process. Accounting Works closely with the cashier on the daily cash reconciliation; ensures all payments are posted to the correct General Ledger account. Reviews and posts cash receipt transactions into City's General Ledger; substantiates or resolves complex financial transactions by analyzing and auditing materials, revenue streams, transactions, and documents; reconciling statements and transactions; using initiative and sound independent judgement on difficult procedural. General Compiles and develops information for special studies and reports from a variety of resources; completes various special projects that include the coordination, research and development of systems and procedures. Performs related duties as assigned. Knowledge and Ability Knowledge of Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in municipal finance, accounting, and payroll. Rules and laws governing payroll. Standard accounting practices and principles. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Mathematical principles. Principles and practices used in establishing and maintaining files and information retrieval systems. Principles and practices of customer service. Techniques and methods of effective oral and written communications. Research methods and techniques. Ability to Identify and correct errors in mathematical computations and improper entries on a wide range of documents. Perform mathematical calculations and complex data processing tasks rapidly and accurately. Maintain a high level of confidentiality of a wide range of sensitive information. Work without direct supervision; exercise initiative and sound judgement. Work independently and as a team member. Recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines. Prepare clear, concise, grammatically correct documents, emails, and reports. Maintain attention to detail by prioritizing work and coordinating several activities simultaneously despite interruptions. Maintain integrity of work by taking responsibility and accountability for completion of work and customer interactions and maintaining punctuality and attendance at work. Perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work. Minimum Qualifications Guidelines Education Equivalent to the completion of a high school diploma supplemented by courses in Finance and Accounting. Experience Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in Finance and Accounting or a closely related field. Experience in municipal government is desirable. License or Certification Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Requires the mobility and manual dexterity to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off‑site meetings; speech and hearing to communicate in person and by telephone; vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; strength and agility to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations. FLSA – Non‑Exempt status Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Rancho Cordova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr