Accountant I or II (Payroll Division)
Apply NowCompany: City of Lathrop, CA
Location: Lathrop, CA 95330
Description:
Salary : $75,273.00 - $91,495.00 Annually
Location : Lathrop, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2400121
Department: Finance Department
Opening Date: 03/27/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
POSITION INFORMATION
City of Lathrop
Accountant I or II (Payroll Division)There is a 4% COLA effective in July 2025. The City of Lathrop is seeking to hire for the position of Accountant I or II. The level at which an individual is hired is dependent on their qualifications and experience.
The PositionDo you have a talent for numbers and data? The City of Lathrop is seeking a full-time, Accountant I or II to join the Payroll Division of theFinance Department. The person in this position will play a crucial role in the processing of City-wide payroll. Duties will include processing payroll for over 150 City employees, remitting and balancing payroll taxes and deductions, setting up new employees in accounting and timekeeping systems, reconciling monthly reports, and more. The ideal candidate will use critical thinking skills while reviewing payroll to assess and adjust as needed. They will also be organized and self-motivated with deadlines, and will be good with numbers. This position performs a variety of complex and specialized accounting duties related to processing City-wide payroll. They will function as a liaison between the Finance Department and other internal stakeholders by answering questions and solving complicated and/or sensitive payroll problems.
Under general supervision, the individual assigned to this position will learn to perform professional and para-professional level accounting duties assigned to classes within the Accountant series, including general accounting, payroll, and accounts payable; prepares financial and statistical statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards; performs other related duties as required.
The Accountant I is the entry level classification in the professional accounting series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine accounting duties while learning City policies and procedures. As experience is gained, there is more diversity in assignments and greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with Accountant II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.
The Accountant II is the journey level classification in which incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of professional accounting duties with minimum supervision. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures and the ability to exercise sound independent judgment. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Accountant in that the latter is responsible for the more complex and difficult duties and administers the City's annual budget preparation.
About Lathrop
Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and sits east and west of the San Joaquin River. Interstate 5, Interstate 205, and State Route 120 intersect within the city. We are located approximately 70 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are all located within 2 hours of Lathrop. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Lodi, Modesto, and Livermore. Lathrop's population as of January 1, 2024, reported by the State of California Department of Finance, is 37,033. Additionally, the City of Lathrop made headlines in 2021,2022, 2023 and as one of Northern California's fastest-growing communities. In 2024, Lathrop was reported to be the With the continued growth in the residential communities, our population is anticipated to reach approximately 70,000.
Supervision Received/Exercised
Receives immediate supervision from the Finance Director, or designee.
Essential Functions
Include but are not limited to the following:
The full job description(s) can be viewed by accessing the following link:
EXPERIENCE AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
Accountant I
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Accountant I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess one year of responsible para-professional and professional accounting experience, and a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field.
Accountant II
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Accountant II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess one year of responsible para-professional and professional accounting experience, a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, and one year of experience equivalent to that of an Accountant I with the City of Lathrop.
License/Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
OTHER INFORMATION
Physical, Mental And Environmental Working Conditions
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
The City of Lathrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City to provide employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factor.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS - The City of Lathrop is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations during the application, examination, or selection process may contact Human Resources at (209) 941-7350 at least five days prior to the scheduled date or deadline.
Use the "Apply" link to submit your application materials for this wonderful opportunity. A completed employment application is required. Resumes and attachments are not accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.
The City of Lathrop offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Retirement
Social Security/Medicare
No participation in Social Security; there is a deduction for Medicare
Retiree Health
The City currently contributes up to a maximum of $2,093 per month for Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for full-time employees and eligible dependents beginning January 2025.
Vacation
Twelve days annually and one floating holiday. New employees hired after July 1st shall not accrue a floating holiday until the following July 1st.
Sick Leave
96 hours (accrued bi-weekly). Upon accumulation of 96 hours sick time, up to 40 hours may be converted to vacation as outlined in the Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Term Life Insurance
City paid coverage equal to annual salary.
Deferred Compensation
Voluntary employee participation in four (4) 457 plans.
Employee Assistance Program
The EAP provides clinical and short-term counseling, as well as assistance for financial, legal, childcare and eldercare issues.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $3,000 per calendar year with pre-approval.
Flexible Spending
Voluntary employee participation in medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Location : Lathrop, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2400121
Department: Finance Department
Opening Date: 03/27/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
POSITION INFORMATION
City of Lathrop
Accountant I or II (Payroll Division)There is a 4% COLA effective in July 2025. The City of Lathrop is seeking to hire for the position of Accountant I or II. The level at which an individual is hired is dependent on their qualifications and experience.
The PositionDo you have a talent for numbers and data? The City of Lathrop is seeking a full-time, Accountant I or II to join the Payroll Division of theFinance Department. The person in this position will play a crucial role in the processing of City-wide payroll. Duties will include processing payroll for over 150 City employees, remitting and balancing payroll taxes and deductions, setting up new employees in accounting and timekeeping systems, reconciling monthly reports, and more. The ideal candidate will use critical thinking skills while reviewing payroll to assess and adjust as needed. They will also be organized and self-motivated with deadlines, and will be good with numbers. This position performs a variety of complex and specialized accounting duties related to processing City-wide payroll. They will function as a liaison between the Finance Department and other internal stakeholders by answering questions and solving complicated and/or sensitive payroll problems.
Under general supervision, the individual assigned to this position will learn to perform professional and para-professional level accounting duties assigned to classes within the Accountant series, including general accounting, payroll, and accounts payable; prepares financial and statistical statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards; performs other related duties as required.
The Accountant I is the entry level classification in the professional accounting series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine accounting duties while learning City policies and procedures. As experience is gained, there is more diversity in assignments and greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with Accountant II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.
The Accountant II is the journey level classification in which incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of professional accounting duties with minimum supervision. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures and the ability to exercise sound independent judgment. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Accountant in that the latter is responsible for the more complex and difficult duties and administers the City's annual budget preparation.
About Lathrop
Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and sits east and west of the San Joaquin River. Interstate 5, Interstate 205, and State Route 120 intersect within the city. We are located approximately 70 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are all located within 2 hours of Lathrop. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Lodi, Modesto, and Livermore. Lathrop's population as of January 1, 2024, reported by the State of California Department of Finance, is 37,033. Additionally, the City of Lathrop made headlines in 2021,2022, 2023 and as one of Northern California's fastest-growing communities. In 2024, Lathrop was reported to be the With the continued growth in the residential communities, our population is anticipated to reach approximately 70,000.
Supervision Received/Exercised
Receives immediate supervision from the Finance Director, or designee.
Essential Functions
Include but are not limited to the following:
- Learns to perform and performs professional and para-professional level accounting duties assigned to classes within the Accountant series, including general accounting, cashiering, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, business licenses, and utility billing; prepares financial and statistical statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards.
- Participates in the operation of automated financial management systems; identifies, develops and implements new applications as needed; reconciles postings from accounts payable, cash receipts and accounts receivable to the general ledger; prepares journal entries; prepares a variety of financial and statistical reports, including year-end and month-end reporting.
- Compiles and prepares financial statements, general and subsidiary ledgers, supporting schedules, and other financial and statistical reports; establishes and maintains complete files and records related to assigned functions; participates in the maintenance of various computer files and records; inputs and retrieves a variety of fiscal and statistical information.
- Receives and reviews payroll records; verifies timesheets; enters payroll into the City's system; processes, calculates and posts a variety of payroll actions, including wage garnishments, benefits withholding, overtime hours and Workers' Compensation claims; prepares, balances and corrects payroll reports; makes permanent payroll employee changes to benefits, taxes, addresses, deductions, accruals and add pays; prepares payroll and all related payroll reports, including deposits, social security, income tax withholding, other reports, and W-2's; balances and prepares payroll taxes.
- Researches, analyzes and tracks certificate of liability insurance requirements with outside agencies to comply with City, federal, and state requirement.
- Prepares and maintains the daily cash flow; prepares and reconciles monthly bank statements; reconciles investment statements; prepares debt service scheduling and debt payments for City leases.
- Compiles the City's annual personnel budget for City employees and Capital equipment; maintains the fixed asset ledgers; coordinates annual inventory of fixed assets; calculates annual depreciation expenses.
- Analyzes, prepares and maintain purchase orders for all City departments; performs accounts payable duties; sorts, audits; matches and distributes invoices from vendors and service providers; posts transactions to accounts payable system; verifies, corrects and balances accounts; generates checks; validates and supervises lower-level staff's work on accounts payable.
- Provides customer service to the City's utility and business license customers regarding billing issues, utility fees, new account numbers, cancellations, applications fees, and/or other related questions; issues work orders pertaining to new or terminated customers; processes cashier transactions.
- Provides technical information and instructions regarding applicable procedures and methods to lower-level staff; participates in the training of various departments in the use of computer accounting programs.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff and the public.
The full job description(s) can be viewed by accessing the following link:
- - $75,273 to $91,495 Annually
- - $83,088 to $100,994 Annually
EXPERIENCE AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
Accountant I
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Accountant I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess one year of responsible para-professional and professional accounting experience, and a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field.
Accountant II
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Accountant II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess one year of responsible para-professional and professional accounting experience, a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, and one year of experience equivalent to that of an Accountant I with the City of Lathrop.
License/Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
OTHER INFORMATION
Physical, Mental And Environmental Working Conditions
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
The City of Lathrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City to provide employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factor.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS - The City of Lathrop is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations during the application, examination, or selection process may contact Human Resources at (209) 941-7350 at least five days prior to the scheduled date or deadline.
Use the "Apply" link to submit your application materials for this wonderful opportunity. A completed employment application is required. Resumes and attachments are not accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.
The City of Lathrop offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Retirement
- Tier one - CalPERS Classic employees prior to April 30, 2011; 2% at 55 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement benefit.
- Employee contribution is 7%.
- Tier two - CalPERS Classic employees hired after April 29, 2011; 2% at 60 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement benefit.
- Employee contribution is 7%
- Tier three - New CalPERS members hired after December 31, 2012; 2% at 62 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
- Employee contribution is 7.75%
Social Security/Medicare
No participation in Social Security; there is a deduction for Medicare
Retiree Health
- City-paid retiree medical 55-65 = same health benefits premium as active employees (Retiree +1)
- City-paid medical at Medicare eligibility (65) = Minimum Employer Contribution ($158 for 2025)
- Vesting Schedule upon retirement from the City:
- Hired on or before December 31, 2014, 100% vested
- Hired on or after January 1, 2015
- 25% vested at 5 years
- 50 % vested at 10 years
- 100% vested at 15 years
The City currently contributes up to a maximum of $2,093 per month for Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for full-time employees and eligible dependents beginning January 2025.
Vacation
- 0-4 Years: 80 hours (accrued bi-weekly)
- 5-9 Years: 120 hours (accrued bi-weekly)
- 10+ Years: 160 hours (accrued bi-weekly)
Twelve days annually and one floating holiday. New employees hired after July 1st shall not accrue a floating holiday until the following July 1st.
Sick Leave
96 hours (accrued bi-weekly). Upon accumulation of 96 hours sick time, up to 40 hours may be converted to vacation as outlined in the Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Term Life Insurance
City paid coverage equal to annual salary.
Deferred Compensation
Voluntary employee participation in four (4) 457 plans.
Employee Assistance Program
The EAP provides clinical and short-term counseling, as well as assistance for financial, legal, childcare and eldercare issues.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $3,000 per calendar year with pre-approval.
Flexible Spending
Voluntary employee participation in medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.