Accountant I

General

The Accountant I reports to the Supervisor, Payroll (Accountant III). This position is primarily responsible for Performing Payroll related duties and analytical activities for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB), and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Perform payroll on a bi-weekly basis in accordance with the District’s Time and Labor Policies and practices.
• Assist employees with PeopleSoft self-service, including training employees on usage, update tax withholdings and direct deposit information.
• Generate and analyze reports such as Wage Types, Ad Hoc Queries, employee attendance and absence reports, leave balance reports, GL Account Balances, wages charged to cost centers and projects, etc.
• Audit payroll records for compliance with Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations governing payroll and garnishments.
• Complete payroll account reconciliations and prepare journal entries.
• Conduct analysis of payroll data for accuracy.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Assist with normal biweekly payroll activities, such as timesheet analysis to ensure compliance with Wage and Hour Laws, CBAs and District policies.
  
• Prepare paychecks for distribution. Coordinate and produce special pay runs, such as awards and allowances.
  
• Prepare payment requests for biweekly 457 and Medical Trust accounts.
  
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports. Perform cash flow, workers compensation, budget listing, and FMLA calculations.
  
• Reconcile payroll liability accounts and prepare journal entries monthly.
  
• Assist the Payroll Manager and Supervisor with processing daily payroll activities.
  
• Compile documentation for internal and external audits and subpoena requests.
  
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
  Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Supervision: Work under the supervision of the Payroll Supervisor, who establishes goals and objectives and evaluates performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Two (2) years of full-time payroll accounting or closely related experience with midsized organizations (750+ employees).
• Must have experience with PeopleSoft Payroll or other similar computer-based Payroll system.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 5/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• San Mateo County Transit District

• 650-508-6308

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