Accounting/Finance Specialist (Payroll)

Why WeHo

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique coalition of people including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer activists), older adults, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality-based businesses. The City is a robust economic, arts, and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation and is home to iconic places such as the Rainbow District, the Sunset Strip, and the Design District. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents. The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment – and is proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

How We Serve

The City of West Hollywood’s Finance and Technology Services Department is comprised of four Divisions: Finance Administration, Revenue, General Accounting, and Information Technology. The General Accounting Division includes accounts payable and reporting, payroll processing and reporting, long-term debt, cash management, bank reconciliations and investment management of the City’s portfolio. The Division assures integrity, stability, and transparency in the efficient delivery of public services through fiscal responsibility, financial analysis and reporting, and is responsible for maintaining the City’s general ledger and recording and reporting all financial transactions and records. In addition, it ensures compliance with internal controls, the City’s financial policies and the budget, and prepares various financial reports for state and federal agencies.

What You'll Contribute

The City of West Hollywood seeks an Accounting/Finance Specialist (Payroll) to support the City’s payroll operations.  In this role, you will be responsible for processing biweekly payroll, including entering and reviewing timecard data, leaves, and benefit information; auditing payroll data for accuracy; applying MOU and employment contract provisions; preparing payroll closing activities; assisting with CalPERS, IRS, and other payroll audits; and supporting additional payroll compliance activities to ensure the City’s payroll is accurate, timely, and fully aligned with regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing employee timecards and processing bi-weekly payroll.
• Reconciling payroll accounts, preparing journal entries, and assisting with payroll reporting.
• Reconciling benefits deductions and processing payments to benefit providers.
• Providing support to employees and supervisors regarding payroll matters, deadlines, and corrections.
• Maintaining confidential payroll files, schedules, and databases.
• Assisting with year-end payroll processes and audit requests.
• Preparing reports, spreadsheets, and correspondence.
• Supporting additional functions within the General Accounting Division as needed.

The ideal candidate will: 

• Have a strong background in payroll and benefit administration; municipal or similar experience is highly preferred.
• Understand employee benefits administration, including health plan deductions, benefit reconciliations, and CalPERS retirement processing and reporting.
• Be able to interpret and apply labor contracts, administrative rules and regulations, and relevant state and federal laws.
• Have experience using financial, payroll, and timekeeping software; experience with Tyler Eden and Tyler ERP is a plus.
• Be detail-oriented, accurate, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Provide excellent customer service, work collaboratively, and communicate City policies with courtesy.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, and professionalism.
• Be flexible and willing to support other finance areas as needed.

For full position details, please click the job description: Accounting/Finance Specialist Job Description.

This position is eligible to work remotely for up to 50% of its time, subject to approval and based on the ongoing operational needs of the City.

Reports to: Accounting ManagerEducation and Experience:

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; and,
• Three to four years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.