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Senior Payroll Analyst/Payroll Analyst

City of Covina
City of Covina Salary
Covina, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/30/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/29/2025
Description

SENIOR PAYROLL ANALYST: $7,180.39/mo - $9,622.11/mo

PAYROLL ANALYST: $6,177.45/mo - $8,279.08/mo

The City of Covina is now accepting applications for the position of Senior Payroll Analyst/Payroll Analyst in the Finance Department.

  • This recruitment may be filled at any level depending on qualifications. **

Definition

Under general direction, performs difficult and advanced journey-level professional, analytical and administrative duties related to administering employee compensation and benefits through payroll. Performs a wide variety of complex analyses, studies and research projects as requested by management staff, including analysis impacting City-wide payroll issues and operations; plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates current systems, procedures and operations; utilizes a complex payroll system to ensure payroll is processed on time, accurately and in compliance with government regulations and applicable Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs); performs the full range of Payroll Analyst duties, and performs other duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Senior Payroll Analyst is the advanced lead classification within the Payroll series. Incumbents in this classification are expected to demonstrate a high level of independent problem-solving abilities and perform the full scope of administrative, analytical and management duties within the Payroll section of Administrative Services-Finance. Incumbents in this class are assigned the most complex and difficult work, and carry out assignments using independent judgment and problem-solving skills. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Payroll Analyst in that it has overall responsibility for Payroll.

The Payroll Analyst is the journey level class and requires thorough knowledge of payroll procedures and the ability to exercise sound independent judgement, where the incumbent is expected to independently perform the full scope of duties of the Payroll Technician job classification in addition to performing the more complex responsibilities. This position receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and has a strong working knowledge of City procedures and policies. This class is distinguished from the Senior Payroll Analyst in that the latter performs the most complex duties and responsibilities within the payroll classification series.

Supervision Received/Exercised

Direction is provided by the Finance Management staff. May exercise direct or indirect supervision over technical and office support staff.

Essential Functions

(include but are not limited to the following)

  • Performs a variety of complex administrative, operational and analytical duties in support of payroll; performs a variety of professional and complex analyses, studies and research projects including those related to City-wide budget, finance and operating issues.
  • Coordinates and participates in organizational studies involving payroll or operational systems, procedures, functions, processes and techniques; identifies issues, collects data, analyzes alternatives and makes recommendations.
  • Prepares, reviews, and balances quarterly reports for the City and outside agencies; files quarterly tax returns; drafts, reviews, and submits year-end reports and related year-end procedures.
  • Evaluates, reviews, edits, and processes W-2’s for the City; prepares transmittal reports for filing W-2’s to the Federal and State government.
  • Reviews and verifies the accurate data entry of personnel actions into the automated personnel system as it relates to payroll, and other duties and activities of payroll staff; works closely with Human Resources staff and departmental timekeepers for compensation and benefits issues and ensures accuracy and timeliness.
  • Interprets policies, rules, and regulations and responds to inquiries relating to payroll; assists Human Resources in processing employment verifications, assists employees with individual payroll calculations and payroll related questions, and processes payment of workers’ compensation benefits, health and disability insurance premiums, and other payments and dues during the payroll process.
  • Prepares, drafts, and edits journal entries for payroll accruals, compensated absences, and other worksheets related to fiscal year-end processes; reconciles the general ledger accounts and provides data to auditors.
  • Implements new systems, methods and procedures; monitors progress in meeting goals and objectives; updates with management staff to inform and advise on issues; makes adjustments as necessary.
  • Participates in budget development and administration; prepares reports and analyses related to impact of budgetary decisions; prepares multi-year financial forecasts; maintains related computer applications; provides data and analysis for arbitration and contract negotiations; researches and collects relevant data pertaining to local and/or regional collective bargaining agreements.
  • Analyzes Federal, State, and local legislative proposals for impact on employee compensation, retirement and benefits; prepares analysis and briefings on enacted legislation, judicial interpretations, and regulatory agency directives for City compliance.
  • Coordinates payroll activities with other departments, outside agencies and organizations; serves as a liaison with other departments and outside agencies; resolves sensitive issues.
  • Prioritizes and coordinates work assignments; reviews work for accuracy; recommends improvements in workflow, procedures and use of equipment and forms; may direct the work activities of assigned clerical and technical personnel;
  • Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
  • Provides excellent customer service to employees, retirees, vendors, outside agencies and organizations; receives and responds to complaints and questions relating to compensation.
  • Trains backup personnel on payroll functions; participates in selecting, training, motivating and evaluating staff.
  • Seeks opportunities for professional growth and training.
  • Attends meetings as a representative of the Payroll Division.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical, Mental And Environmental Working Conditions

Physical

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires dexterity and coordination for fine manipulation for grasping and repetitive hand movement for tasks such as handling files and single pieces of paper, or in preparing and retrieving statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Some reaching for items above or below desk level.

Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading correspondence, written reports and work-related documents, and hearing within normal audio range with or without correction when performing work, inspecting work and operating equipment or vehicles. The need to lift, carry and push supplies, equipment, plans, and other documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required, as well as speech sufficient to communicate in group settings without the aid of a microphone.

Mental

Operations require almost continuous attention. Strong cognitive abilities and remaining alert and aware of surroundings are necessary for problem-solving, working through assignments, and safety. Incumbents are required to use written and oral communication skills, read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City management, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Environmental

Work is performed in a standard office setting. Environment is generally indoors and clean, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors or noise. On occasion, work schedule may include evenings and weekends.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education And/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for:

  • Senior Payroll Analyst: A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Public or Business Administration or a closely related field, and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing involving professional-level duties, preferably in a municipality. A master’s degree is desirable and may be substituted for one year of experience.
  • Payroll Analyst: A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, Public or Business Administration or a closely related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, preferably in a municipality.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge Of

Practices and procedures governing payroll, time reporting and related financial transactions; automated office methods and practices/data processing systems and applications; basic principles of business mathematics, statistics and recordkeeping systems, Microsoft Excel and Word; and general office procedures. Modern principles, practices and techniques of payroll administration and automated payroll systems operation; principles and practices of payroll accounting; processing payroll for a municipality; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability To

Ability to independently perform difficult clerical and financial recordkeeping functions using good judgement; reconcile differences within a recordkeeping system using mathematical skills; make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately, recognize and correct computational errors, accurately compare, post and transfer numbers, operate a variety of office equipment including a ten-key calculator by touch and payroll software programs; comprehend and apply written and oral instructions; work safely, efficiently and independently; understand and apply general fiscal and financial recordkeeping practices in the performance of assigned tasks; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use good judgement in handling highly sensitive and/or confidential matters with discretion and maintain the privacy of such information; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, explain consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of departmental and City goals for compensation and benefits; research, analyze, evaluate, interpret and apply laws, regulations, MOU’s, policies and procedures related to compensation and benefits; prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports on a variety of related issues; understand the organization and operation of the Finance Division and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal supervision and direction; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with others in the course of work; and observe occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill To

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and applicable software applications. Interact and communicate effectively with members of the public, city staff, and officials.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This recruitment is Open Until Filled or upon receipt of 150 applications. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Tuesday, October 14, by 6:00 pm.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early since applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Applicants that apply after the first review date are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

The selection process may consist of but not limited to a skills assessment and oral interview.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a complete application.

The successful candidate may be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and credit check and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).

The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.

MID-MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, AND PROFESSIONAL, AND CONFIDENTIAL AND TECHNICAL EMPLOYEES

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

All employees shall be required to serve at least a one (1) year probationary period.

RETIREMENT – California Public Employees Retirement System

Tier I Retirement Benefits ("Classic" CalPERS Members)

  • 2.5% per year at age 55 formula (non-safety)
  • One year final compensation (
  • 20042)
  • 1959 Survivors Benefit (
  • 21574)
    • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
    • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
  • Military service credit purchase (
  • 21024)
  • Unused sick leave conversion
  • 20965 (non-safety)
  • Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (
  • 21622)
  • Employee pays 8% of employee cost of CalPERS
Members defined as "New" under PEPRA eff: 01/01/2013

  • 2% @ 62 formula
  • 3 Year Final Compensation
  • Employee pays 7.25% of employee cost of CalPERS

VACATION LEAVE

HOLIDAYS (12 Fixed Holidays)

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • President's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

FLOATING HOLIDAYS

  • Up to Forty (40) floating holiday hours annually.
  • Credited on January 1st.
  • Floating holiday hours capped at 50 hours.

SICK LEAVE

  • Ten (10) hours of paid sick leave per month

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

  • Exempt employees receive 60 hours of paid administrative leave.

MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE

  • The City participates in the CalPERS Medical Plan.
  • City provides a flex benefit dollar amount of $1,500 per month to use towards purchase of health benefits
  • Employer contribution under PEHMCA for CalPERS Medical Plan is $157/mo. This is in addition to the flex benefit above.
  • Unused flex dollars may be received as taxable cash and administered according to terms of the Compensation Rules.
  • Dental Insurance provider is Delta Dental Plan. DPO and HMO plans available.
  • Vision Insurance provider is EyeMed.

LIFE INSURANCE

City paid term Life Insurance policy of $100,000. Additional coverage available for purchase at group rates through carrier. Life Insurance provider is VOYA.

LONG TERM DISABILITY

City paid long term disability insurance plan. LTD provider is VOYA.

LONGEVITY PAY

  • 10 years $1,500
  • 15 years $2,000
  • 20 years $2,500
  • 25 years $3,000
  • 30 years $3,500
  • 35 years $4,000
  • 40 years $4,500

*Paid on full time anniversary date of employment with Covina.

BILINGUAL PAY

  • Employees may receive $175 per month for possessing the ability to speak and understand a second language.

EDUCATION PAY

  • 3% of base salary for possessing MA,MS, MPA. Employees must not be required to have an advanced degree as a condition of employment.
  • 2% of base salary for possessing AA,AS,BA, BS. Employees must not be required to have a degree as a condition of employment.

HEALTH & DEPENDENT CARE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (AFLAC)

Annual maximum of $3,050 for Unreimbursed Medical and $5,000 for Dependent Care for 2024. Reimbursements are administered through Wageworks.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Comprehensive services provided by The Counseling Team International for employee and eligible dependents.

01

Instructions: Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process. Please indicate "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this information.

  • Yes
  • No

02

Acknowledgment: I understand that I cannot update my application once I have submitted it. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections and provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer listed in my work experience, and have fully supported ALL of my responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire with the materials found in my application.

  • I understand.

03

Recruitment Communication: Please be advised that the City of Covina"s primary means of communication regarding recruitment status is via email. Have you provided a valid email address that you can access regularly? PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you check your JUNK folder for email messages that may be incorrectly flagged as SPAM.

  • I understand

04

Education: Select below the option which best describes your highest level of education?

  • Some high school
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college courses
  • Associate Arts Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

05

Experience: How many years of experience do you possess working in public sector (i.e. municipal, federal, state and/or local government, and/or special district)?

  • None
  • Six months to one year
  • More than one year but less than two years
  • More than two years but less than three years
  • More than three years but less than four years
  • 4 years

06

Experience: How many years of experience do you possess completing the full payroll process (i.e. reconciling pays and deductions, issuing paychecks, and processing tax payments)?

  • None, but willing to learn
  • Less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
  • More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
  • 3 or more years

07

Briefly describe your experience in payroll processing in an automated payroll-processing system, please include the name of the systems you use, your level of experience within those systems, and the number of employees in the organization. If none, please type N/A.

08

Please describe your experience processing various tax forms and payments for an organization. If none, please type N/A

09

Briefly describe your experience working with CalPERS and any responsibilities you have had discerning how wages are categorized and reported. if none, please type N/A.

10

What is your competency level interpreting and implementing negotiated contracts?

  • None
  • Beginner
  • Competent
  • Advanced

11

What is your competence level utilizing Microsoft Word?

  • None
  • Beginner
  • Competent
  • Advanced

12

What is your competency level utilizing Microsoft Excel?

  • None
  • Beginner
  • Competent
  • Advanced

13

Briefly describe your experience using formulas within Excel (i.e. v-lookup, pivot tables). If none, please type N/A.

14

Certification: I certify that I have answered all of the above questions truthfully, and to the best of my ability, and reviewed my application prior to submission. I understand that my application cannot be updated once it has been submitted.

  • I understand.
  • Required Question

Salary : $1,500 - $4,500

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