Payroll Coordinator

The City of Riverside, Finance Department, is accepting applications for the position of Payroll Coordinator to fill one (1) vacancy in the Payroll Division
. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

Under general supervision of the Payroll Supervisor, the Payroll Coordinator performs a wide range of professional‑level payroll and financial duties related to the centralized processing and maintenance of the City’s payroll. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing, review, reconciliation, and distribution of payroll, as well as compliance with applicable laws, regulations, labor agreements, and City policies.

• Coordinate, review, and oversee daily payroll processing activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and labor agreements.
• Review and process complex payroll transactions, including merit increases, new hires, transfers, salary adjustments, retroactive pay, supplemental payrolls, manual checks, and separation payoffs.
• Analyze and audit payroll records, personnel actions, and system entries to ensure correct application of earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, CalPERS and other retirement contributions.
• Process biweekly payroll tax payments; manage garnishments, deferred compensation, and union deductions; and report contributions to the City’s 457 and 401(a) plan providers.
• Prepare, file, and reconcile quarterly tax filings; compile year‑end payroll reports; and coordinate year‑end payroll processing and reporting requirements with external agencies.
• Interpret and apply payroll‑related laws, regulations, policies, and labor agreements; respond to payroll inquiries; and provide guidance to employees, departments, and management.
• Process employment verifications and respond to requests from internal departments and external agencies.
• Prepare journal entries for payroll accruals, compensated absences, and other assigned tasks related to year‑end processes; and reconcile the general ledger accounts for the City’s year end auditor.
• Provide technical guidance and training support to payroll staff to promote accuracy, consistency, and professional development and serve as back‑up for staff as needed.
• Serve as a lead resource and point of contact for payroll issues as necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in business/public administration, accounting, finance or a closely related field. Two (2) years of professional experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience performing payroll or accounting duties.

• Payroll experience with a public agency
• Experience with public‑sector pension reporting
• Experience training payroll staff
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

• Completed Employment Application
• Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

For general information on completing your online application, click Application Guide.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job‑related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self‑schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self‑scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

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