Job Description

Posting number: 26-00146

Department: Finance

Division: Finance Administration

Job classification: PAYROLL TECHNICIAN I/II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Accounting and Finance

Summary

20260519113827_20260429101407_Screenshot 2026-04-29 101330.png

The final filing date is November 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM or after receiving 100 qualified applicants, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is hiring a regular full-time Payroll Technician II in the Finance Department! The Payroll Technician is part of a small team that processes payroll for the City, paying a complex and dynamic workforce that includes shift work, police and fire pay, and a variety of regular and seasonal employees. The candidate selected for this position will be one of the core payroll team members. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, delivers outstanding customer service, stays highly organized, and has a strong attention to detail. This position reports directly to the Principal Payroll Analyst.

Under supervision of the Principal Payroll Analyst, provides detailed and difficult technical payroll support in the preparation and processing of the City's biweekly payroll; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Payroll Technician I is the entry-level classification for this job series. Initially incumbents perform assigned duties under immediate supervision, while learning related policies and procedures. Payroll Technician I is distinguished from the Payroll Technician II classification by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Payroll Technician II. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action within established guidelines.

Payroll Technician II is an experienced journey-level classification in the series. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned payroll, clerical, customer service and technical assistance duties supporting the payroll function. Payroll Technician II is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Payroll Technician III in that the Payroll Technician III is the advanced journey level in the series responsible for providing technical and functional supervision to Payroll Technicians. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level once the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the II level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full scope of work, and meets performance expectations. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Examples of duties

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Performs a variety of technical accounting duties in the preparation, maintenance and processing of the City's biweekly payroll.
• Processes wage garnishment and levies for employees in accordance with regulations as prescribed by regulatory authorities.
• Processes, codes, enters, and retrieves confidential payroll data, using computerized financial and payroll systems.
• Verifies accounting entries, maintains and reconciles complex payroll records.
• Responds to inquiries from departments and City staff; assists in the resolution of payroll problems and payroll transaction exceptions.
• Maintains the centralized payroll filing system.
• Follows rules, regulations, policies, ordinances and laws as it pertains to payroll functions, such as; Wage and Hour laws, tax laws, and related payroll legislation.
• Maintains detailed records and resolves complex administrative discrepancies.
• Assists employees with information concerning their paychecks and related matters.
• Prepares special reports and/or supplemental data for required forms as necessary; develops spreadsheets of varying sizes and complexity; utilizes database management systems.
• Makes mathematical and/or statistical calculations of salary, deductions, leave adjustments, wage attachments and other payroll related adjustments.
• Generates manual payroll checks and maintains manual check register.
• Prepares payroll check requisitions and wire transfer spreadsheet and posts into the financial system.
• Analyzes and reconciles deferred compensation reports.
• Maintains control log of Federal, Medicare, OASDI Taxes, State Income Taxes, and SDI Taxes; is aware of and complies with specific due dates for tax payments and deposits tax payments via Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
• Assists with year-end audit tasks.
• Researches and prepares PERS service credit requests and verifies employee's earnings for State Employment Development Department as requested.
• Maintains PERS summary spreadsheet for inclusion in the City's annual financial report and for City budget development purposes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination when using a 10 key pad or computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, push and pull files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Payroll Technician II

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent, supplemented by college-level course work in accounting, economics, business or public administration; AND

Two years of technical financial support experience, with some payroll experience, which includes the use of automated financial systems.

To view the full Payroll Technician I/II job description, click here.

Knowledge of:

Payroll Technician I

• Principles and practices of basic financial and payroll record keeping.
• Rules, regulations, terminology and processes related to the completion and processing of payroll.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
• Computerized record keeping principles and procedures including current spreadsheet and database management applications.
• Basic understanding of contracts, regulations, and laws specific to job functions.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply laws and procedures.
• Learn and apply a wide variety of payroll policies, procedures and regulations.
• Learn to interpret and explain payroll matters to others.
• Learn to identify and correct errors in mathematical computations and improper entries on a variety of documents.
• Establish and maintain complex filing systems.
• Perform mathematical calculations and complex data processing tasks rapidly and accurately.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Establish, maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Knowledge of:

Payroll Technician II

The above, plus:

• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals in order to calculate, verify, and adjust fiscal and/or statistical data.
• Payroll processes, laws and regulations as established by the Department of Labor (Fair Labor Standards Act).
• Applicable municipal codes, state and federal laws.

Ability to:

Payroll Technician II

The above, plus:

• Independently apply a wide variety of payroll policies, procedures and regulations.
• Independently interpret and explain payroll matters to others.
• Identify and correct errors in mathematical computations and improper entries on a variety of documents.
• Recognize priorities; plan and organize work to meet deadlines.

License/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to provide alternative transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a public agency.
• An Associate's degree.

Supplemental information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the posting will close Wednesday, November 4, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the hiring department scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Selection interviews will take place onsite in-person, please plan accordingly.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summary of Confidential Non-Management Employees - CONF Benefits

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.