Job Details

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Home to a planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Our collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling. When you join, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.

About the Opportunity

The Accounting Clerk – Payroll reports to the Payroll Senior Accountant and provides administrative and technical support for payroll processing. This role assists in ensuring accurate and timely payroll transactions, responds to employee payroll inquiries, and supports related accounting functions as assigned.

The California Academy of Sciences welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in advancing our mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to foster a culture rooted in mutual respect, equal opportunity, and shared success.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare payroll transmittals and submit payroll reports to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Enter and maintain tax levies, garnishments, and other payroll-related deductions.
• Collaborate with PACT and Finance teams to ensure the accuracy of employee data and pay information.
• Research and resolve routine payroll inquiries from employees and external agencies.
• Generate and process manual payroll checks as needed.
• Verify and reconcile data transfers between Dayforce and Kronos to ensure system accuracy and completeness.
• Submit work tickets to the payroll application support team for system issues or data corrections as directed.
• Prepare and reconcile simple balance sheet accounts related to payroll.
• Provide supporting documentation for financial statements and the annual Form 990.
• Prepare standardized journal entries for routine payroll transactions and adjustments, ensuring proper account coding and authorization.
• Serve as backup for other accounting clerk roles, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Cash Management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; business associate degree or coursework in business, accounting or finance preferred.
• Minimum of 2+ years' experience in a high-volume payroll or related accounting environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of payroll principles and practices.
• Basic understanding of general ledger accounts, debits, and credits.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $30.63 - $33.15. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule

Full-Time, 40 hours per week

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).