Senior Accounting Technician; Promotional

Join RPV's Finance Team as the Senior Accounting Technician
, where you will manage payroll functions, interpret legislation and policies, and help maintain transparent, compliant financial practices.

This recruitment is internal and open only to employees of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Applications will close end of day on 1/23/2026.

The Finance Department is staffed by a team of nine full‑time professionals who are responsible for a wide range of services through the following functions:

• Fiscal Services
  :
  Budget preparation, budget monitoring, long‑term financial planning, financial forecasting, financial analysis/modeling, system administration and financial reporting.
• Accounting
  :
  Managing general ledger, business processes, bank reconciliation, chart of accounts, auditing, payroll processing, and general billing.
• Purchasing
  :
  Processing invoices and purchase orders, reviewing and monitoring compliance for contracts and procurement guidelines.
• Business Licenses
  :
  Providing centralized cashiering and processing business licenses.
• Treasury
  :
  Preparing cash flow analysis, and reviewing City’s investments.

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position represented by Rancho Palos Verdes Employees Association (RPVEA). This position works a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Senior Accounting Technician performs a variety of complex and technical payroll‑related duties to assure that City employees are paid according to established guidelines and in a timely manner.

This position processes the City’s bi‑weekly payroll which includes, but is not limited to: processing timesheets for approximately 150 employees, preparing and submitting crucial benefit payments such as CalPERS, 457 Deferred Compensation, ensuring timely execution every two weeks, organizing personnel documents, updating payroll system, reviewing personnel profiles for accuracy, reconciling pay and benefits. This position will also reconcile taxes and prepare tax return documents.

This position will collaborate closely with the Human Resources team, department supervisors, and employees. The incumbent will provide day‑to‑day customer service offering assistance with various payroll activities.

Additionally, this position will oversee the City’s account receivables, assisting with year‑end processes and audits, and preparing journal entries related to payroll and receivables.

The ideal candidate for this position will be dedicated to maintaining outstanding customer service established by both the City and the Finance department. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, experience in payroll software systems, be self‑motivated, adept with personnel file organization, strong problem‑solving skills, and adaptability.

The ideal candidate will help cultivate a positive working environment, providing a welcoming and approachable atmosphere for employees, peers, and the public. This position will oversee sensitive pay information and accordingly, the incumbent must be able to work confidentially with discretion.

Knowledge of payroll laws and regulations specific to California, CalPERS, proficiency with wages and benefits administration, experience with understanding and application of memorandums of understanding, experience with ERP payroll software such as Tyler Munis strongly preferred.

Under general supervision, performs the most complex technical and administrative accounting and financial support duties in the preparation, maintenance, and processing of accounting records and transactions, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, and general ledger; and performs related work as required.

This is the advanced journey‑level class within the accounting support series. Incumbents provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff and perform the most difficult and complex assignments assigned requiring the advanced knowledge of accounting support practices, policies, and procedures. Employees use…