New

Accounting Technician (18-Month Limited Term)

City of Carlsbad
$62,524.80 - $76,065.60 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, vacation time, paid holidays, retirement plan
United States, California, Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue (Show on map)
Jul 02, 2025
The Position The Community This nearly 40 square mile city is ideally situated in north San Diego County with an approximate population of 115,000. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, lagoons and abundant natural open space. World class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, a diverse business sector and a charming village atmosphere combine to create the ideal California experience. The Position We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable individual to support our payroll team on a temporary basis (approximately 18 months.) This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with numbers, is comfortable using computers and wants to learn more about how payroll works in a city government setting. Under general supervision, this position will help process payroll, review employee timecards, support payroll-related reports, and assist with other accounting tasks as needed. This role will work closely with the City's Payroll Accountant and is ideal for someone who is organized, eager to learn and enjoys working behind the scenes to support employees across the City. This level is distinguished from the Account Clerk I and II as the senior or advanced clerical accounting level. Positions in this class are expected to be able to perform difficult and varied clerical accounting tasks independently and demonstrate initiative under broad guidelines with review of overall results; understand and apply codes, policies and laws; and to provide technical assistance and guidance to lower level accounting clerks or other clerical staff in a lead capacity. The ideal candidate for this position: Has strong attention to detail and can catch errors Has excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities Is dependable, punctual and follows through on tasks Has a helpful attitude and Enjoys working as part of a team Can follow instructions and work independently once trained Has effective oral and written communication skills Has strong computer skills and is comfortable using technology Is well-organized and can manage multiple tasks and projects Can adapt well in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift Is proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications Has knowledge of Payroll and timekeeping basics The ideal candidate can also: Review employee timecards for accuracy Process bi-weekly payroll Maintain, file and organize detailed payroll records Enter data into spreadsheets and payroll systems Respond to employee questions related to timecards or pay Help ensure pay complies with city rules, policies and procedures Support compliance with the FLSA and other payroll-related regulations Assist with other accounting or finance projects as assigned Read and understand a pay stub and timecard Handle confidential information with professionalism You Belong in Carlsbad The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal. Key Responsibilities These are representative duties. The emphasis on certain duties will vary depending on the job assignment. Perform a variety of complex technical tasks involving the utilization of automated accounting and/or technical recordkeeping systems, including but not limited to, the development of forms and requirements for data entry, the review and checking of data prior to data entry, assist in the assignment of work to co-workers, assignment of account classification codes and preparation of specialized reports. Participate in and/or provide lead responsibility in a variety of accounting activities, including accounts payable and the preparation of departmental reports, audit of bills and invoices. Cross training and support functions may include accounts receivable utility billing, payroll and other finance services. Interpret state and federal codes, laws, the city ordinance, and procedures that relate to the assigned areas and suggest recommended actions including, but not limited to, sales tax. Generate and review summary reports for verifying information, identification of problem areas, analysis of specific data for further processing or researching information. Process quarterly sales tax reporting and produce annual 1099 forms and reporting. May assist in budget preparation, including development of reports and formulas, analysis of operating costs, and research of past expenditures as requested. Design, review and check records, forms and other documents for accuracy, completeness and conformance to rules and regulations. Respond to internal and external requests for accounts payable information. This would include auditor requests, public records requests and vendor requests. Respond and resolve citizen complaints and requests for information; explain procedures and policies related to department operations. Prepare and maintain electronic and manual records and files related to assignment. Prepare correspondence as necessary. Assist in providing work direction and training to co-workers as assigned. Assist in the development and implementation of systems and procedures. Perform miscellaneous office and clerical duties as assigned. Qualifications To perform a job in this classification, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties as generally described in the specification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties in a specific job. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, terminology and forms used in bookkeeping and accounting work State and Federal laws, the Carlsbad Municipal Code, city policies, and procedures related to the assigned duties Standard office methods, practices and procedures Computerized accounting and recordkeeping systems and related software applications for performing required duties Basic cost control and auditing procedures and practices Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications Skill in: Operating a standard ten key calculator by touch Ability to: Demonstrate and foster excellent customer service Perform difficult clerical accounting work using independent judgment and initiative Operate computer systems and related equipment as well as standard office equipment necessary to perform the work Learn and process information using specialized software applications; e.g., database management, spreadsheets and word processing Learn, apply, and explain applicable laws, the Carlsbad Municipal Code and city policies and procedures Prepare accurate departmental reports Make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy Analyze financial records and find and correct errors Communicate effectively orally and in writing Establish and maintain cooperative relationships Provide work direction and train co-workers as assigned Experience & Education Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, including or supplemented by courses in bookkeeping and accounting; and Two years of increasingly responsible clerical accounting experience similar to the duties required of the Account Clerk II position.