County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Payroll Analyst is a professional non-safety classification located within the Alameda County Fire Department and reporting directly to the Fire Department Financial Services Manager. This single position classification is responsible for preparing and processing complex payroll duties.  Assists the Fire Department Financial Services Manager in administering payroll and accounting-related compliance activities. The employee in this classification will function as a lead over other subordinate classifications in the payroll unit.  

This classification is distinguished from the Fire Department Financial Services Manager in that the Fire Department Payroll Analyst has both lead and specialist responsibility in the payroll area, including directing the daily work of the Payroll Processor and other support staff, whereas the Financial Services Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, oversight, and direction of the Fire Departmental payroll function. This classification is further distinguished from the Fire Department Payroll Processor in that the Fire Department Payroll Analyst performs the more complex duties requiring independence decision-making and judgment.

1. Directs and reviews the work of staff involved in payroll-related projects. 
2. Leads and coordinate with Fire Department Payroll Processor to prepare and process Fire Department’s two (2) bi-weekly payrolls and one (1) monthly retiree health reimbursement check.
3. Coordinate with various divisions to compute and prepare adjustments and special payroll checks and adjust tax balances for canceled payroll checks.
4. Ensure timely and accurate posting and maintenance of payroll-related data by auditing preliminary payroll reports for reasonableness and accuracy.
5. Ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements related to payroll processes and reports.
6. Conduct special research projects, including gathering, compiling, and analyzing information, developing alternatives, and making recommendations on courses of action.
7. Research and resolve payroll issues and responds to payroll-related questions from employees, County, State and Federal agencies, and outside vendors. 
8. Assist with the administration of the Fire Department’s compensation plans.
9. Audit, balance, and prepare a variety of payroll-related reports/reconciliations. 
10. Works in accordance with policies and procedures to perform professional-level administrative and programmatic analysis associated with pay and benefit provisions controlled by employee bargaining agreements; to define and specify necessary updates in The Fire Department’s payroll system with or without coordination from outside payroll vendor; to test and validate payroll system changes to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
11. Assist with grant reporting and internal and external audits.
12. Compile vacation accrual reports for different employee groups to ensure timely posting of vacation accruals in Fire Department’s timekeeping system; serve as the functional Payroll and Timekeeping System expert to advise management of the capabilities and limitations of the Payroll and Timekeeping system. 
13. Prepare payroll-related journal entries and reconciliations. Document and update payroll processes and procedures. 
14. Conduct full range lead duties that include training, guiding, and directing the work of subordinate classifications within the payroll unit.

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in the classification of Alameda County Fire Department Payroll Processor. 

Education: 

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from a four (4) year accredited college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in accounting, economics, finance, business or public administration, or a field related to work.  

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of increasingly responsible analytical and administrative financial and accounting duties with an emphasis in performing the full range of payroll duties in a large private or public sector employer. Experience in a union environment is desirable.

License: 

May require possession of a valid California driver's license. 

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal management and government.
• Rules, regulations, terminology and processes related to the completion and processing of varied payroll and personnel documents.
• Complex and specialized payroll practices.
• Methods and practices used in financial and statistical work.
• Intermediate data processing principles associated with automated payroll systems.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.

• Perform complex and specialized payroll.
• Plan and carry out duties independently.
• Interpret and explain applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the assigned area of responsibilities.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply policies and other contract documents to the payroll function.
• Prepare accurate financial and statistical reports and maintain confidential office files.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Analyze and evaluate complex data.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work activities.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a word processor, personal or online computer.
• Provide effective supervision and training to the others.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Perform lead functions and duties, such as training new employees and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures, as required.