Payroll Specialist

JOB

The City of La Verne is seeking a detail-oriented, experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team. This critical role performs highly technical and confidential payroll administration for all City employees while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and CalPERS requirements. Work Schedule: 36 hour work week; Monday- ThursdayRecruitment Schedule: Application Deadline: January 13, 2026Preliminary Interviews: January 27, 2026Final Interviews: February 4, 2026Under general supervision, performs highly technical and confidential payroll administration duties for all City employees; ensures accurate and timely payroll processing; supports all personnel budgeting, position control; provides payroll documentation and support for all audits; interprets and applies Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), City policies, and federal and state payroll regulations; coordinates closely with Human Resources Departments; and performs related duties as assigned.The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, analytical professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and values accuracy, integrity, and customer service. Including the following: Accurate and detail oriented, with a strong understanding of payroll laws and government compliance. Experienced in governmental payroll, CalPERS compensation rules, and FLSA regulations. Skilled in analysis, able to reconcile complex payroll data.Dependable under deadlines and committed to high quality work.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed duties and/or may perform related duties as required:
• Prepare, audit, and process bi-weekly payroll for all City employees.
• Ensure payroll compliance with CalPERS, IRS, FLSA, DOL, MOUs, and City policies.
• Review timecards, overtime, specialty pays, accruals, retroactive adjustments, and payouts.
• Maintain payroll records, employee master files, and pay code structures.
• Reconcile payroll registers, benefit deductions, and special compensation items.
• Provide all payroll-related reports and documentation required for internal, external, and regulatory audits.
• Administer and reconcile payroll deductions for benefits and coordinate with HR on changes.
• Prepare and file payroll-related federal and state reports.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact during financial audits, workers' compensation audits, CalPERS audits, payroll tax audits, and internal control reviews.
• Assist in development and maintenance of personnel budget data, and position control.
• Train departmental staff on timekeeping procedures and payroll documentation requirements.
• Assist with payroll system testing, upgrades, and ERP module changes.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

THE CITYThe City of La Verne strives to maintain a full range of efficient municipal services to preserve our hometown charm and quality of life while being responsive to the community's current and emerging needs. La Verne is a city of more than 30,000 residents and a well-balanced community with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial features. La Verne maintains a council-manager form of government. Residents in five districts elect their district council member to represent them and oversee a total annual budget of over $71 million. The five council members select a mayor amongst themselves. La Verne is a close-knit community that is home to many fine institutions and facilities which include the University of La Verne (founded in 1891), Brackett Field Airport, and public and private schools. As one of the most desirable communities in metropolitan Southern California, La Verne is a progressive city that has retained much of its small town charm. The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live.SELECTION PROCESSThe City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the position. Meeting the required minimum qualifications does not guarantee an applicant an invitation to the next step(s) in the selection process. Those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's needs may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a combination of written exercise, panel interview, or other testing deemed appropriate. Prior to hire, successful candidates will also be required to undergo a medical examination (including drug screen), and credit and criminal reviews. Appointments are subject to a 12-month probationary period. Primary communication regarding applicant status relative to this recruitment will be by e-mail; applicants are solely responsible for monitoring their e-mail communication messages and systems. Applicants are solely responsible for informing the City of changes in contact information, including but not limited to e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, post office boxes, and telephone numbers. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAs required by state law, the City provides consideration for veterans who served during military actions. Eligible veterans should notify Personnel in writing at the time of application. Under Federal law, employees must contribute 1.45% of their gross monthly earnings for Medicare coverage. The City will match the employee's contribution. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special assistance to participate in this recruitment is needed, contact the Personnel Office. The City recruits and hires without regard to race, color, religion, physical disability or condition, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin, except in those specific instances whereby a bona fide occupational qualification demands otherwise. The City of La Verne hires only United States citizens or lawfully authorized aliens. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without further notice.