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City of McFarland

Accounting Clerk III

City of McFarland, Mc Farland, California, United States, 93250

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CITY OF MCFARLAND

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

ACCOUNTING CLERK III

Hourly Rate: $23.84- $30.51

SALARY: $1,907.01-$2,441.11 Bi-weekly

OPENING DATE: 12/2/2025

CLOSING: Until Filled

The primary purpose of this position is to perform the full cycle payroll process and the full cycle accounts payable process for the City of McFarland. This includes end-to-end payroll functions such as new employee setup, timesheet review, payroll processing, statutory and voluntary deductions, payments to federal/state agencies and third parties, quarterly and annual reporting, and year‑end W‑2 processing. It also includes all responsibilities associated with accounts payable, such as vendor setup, invoice processing, verification of documentation, timely payment processing, weekly check runs, and annual 1099 issuance. Under general supervision, this position performs complex paraprofessional accounting work in support of payroll and accounts payable, maintains accurate financial records, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. This classification requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when handling confidential information.

Essential Responsibilities Full Cycle Payroll Processing

Coordinate with Human Resources to set up new employees in the payroll system, ensuring correct entry of classifications, benefits, deductions, and tax elections.

Process personnel/pay changes based on approved Personnel Action Forms (PAFs).

Review biweekly timesheets for accuracy, policy compliance, and completeness.

Process and transmit payroll, including direct deposit and check issuance, ensuring accurate calculation of base pay, overtime, leave usage, reportable/taxable earnings, and all wage‑related adjustments.

Verify and reconcile all deductions and withholdings in accordance with employee elections and federal/state laws.

Prepare and remit payments to federal and state agencies for taxes and wage withholdings.

Process payments to third‑party providers for medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement contributions, and other voluntary deductions.

Prepare and file quarterly payroll reports including IRS Form 941 and applicable EDD reports.

Complete annual payroll reporting requirements including W‑2 processing and submission to federal and state agencies.

Maintain, update, and reconcile master payroll records; research and resolve payroll discrepancies.

Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and leave balances.

Full Cycle Accounts Payable

Set up new vendors and verify information including obtaining and reviewing W‑9 forms.

Review invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with purchasing policies.

Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, receiving documents, and other supporting materials.

Process invoices in accordance with due dates and weekly check run timelines.

Maintain AP records, reconcile statements, and request monthly vendor statements to ensure timely payment and prevent missed invoices.

Prepare and issue vendor payments, including checks and electronic payments.

Prepare annual 1099s and ensure accurate and timely year‑end reporting.

Provide customer service to vendors related to payments, invoices, and account status.

General Accounting Duties

Prepare and reconcile accounting information for data processing; research and resolve discrepancies.

Assist with annual audit preparation including payroll and AP documentation.

Input, review, and reconcile statistical and accounting reports, registers, and journals.

Handle sensitive employee, vendor, and City information with a high level of confidentiality.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of fundamentals of financial record keeping, payroll principles, computers and software, modern office procedures, customer service, applicable laws and regulations, and purchasing policies.

Skilled in financial record‑keeping practices and techniques, statistical report preparation and research methods, and customer account reconciliation.

Ability to understand and interpret principles, laws, and procedures; prepare financial reports; maintain online ledgers and journals; analyze data; multitask; solve problems; prioritize work; minimize errors; communicate effectively; establish and maintain working relationships; use office equipment.

Licenses: valid California Driver’s License.

Physical Abilities: standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling; lifting up to 25 pounds; repetitive motion for long periods; office environment.

Other: bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred.

Education and Experience Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Typical qualifications include:

Minimum three (3) years of experience performing financial or accounting record‑keeping duties, including at least one year at a paraprofessional level maintaining accounts payable, purchasing, payroll systems, or processing payroll and accounts payable records.

Graduation from an accredited high school; an Associate Degree (AA) in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Additional two (2) years of related experience may substitute for the AA requirement.

Benefits

Comprehensive City‑paid medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee and dependents.

Life insurance equal to one year’s base salary with a minimum of $50,000.

Retirement - Deferred Compensation 401(k): City contributes an additional 10% of employee’s pay each pay period into 401(k) plan at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental life insurance (optional).

Aflac Insurance (optional).

Section 125 plan participation.

10 vacation days, and 12 days sick pay accrued annually.

12 paid holidays.

1 paid personal day.

Application Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview and testing processes. Reference checks, Live SCAN, background investigations, and pre‑employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process and background standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of McFarland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), requests for special accommodations during any stage of the examination process should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department.

Requirements

Experience completing full cycle payroll, including new employee setup, pay changes, timesheet review, payroll processing, deductions and withholdings, agency payments, quarterly and annual reporting, and W‑2 processing.

Experience completing full cycle accounts payable, including vendor setup, invoice review, matching to purchase orders or contracts, weekly check runs, statement reconciliation, and 1099 processing.

Experience processing payroll in a municipal or public sector environment is preferred.

Knowledge of the CalPERS retirement system and payroll reporting requirements is desirable.

Ability to reconcile accounts, research and resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate financial records.

Proficiency with computerized financial systems, spreadsheets, and standard office software.

Minimum of three (3) years of financial or accounting record‑keeping experience, including at least one (1) year involving payroll or accounts payable.

Associate Degree (AA) in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or an additional two (2) years of related experience in accounting, payroll, or accounts payable may substitute for the AA.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; bilingual Spanish preferred.

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