Accounting Assistant, Payroll Operations

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$37.25 - $44.72 Hourly (451.4)

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

We have an opening for a Payroll Accounting Assistant to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.  Under minimal supervision, you will perform advanced and complex payroll accounting tasks, solve problems of a broad scope and complexity, and develop and implement new techniques and procedures.  This position is in the Payroll Division of the Finance Department within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO).

You will

• Perform complex Payroll processing tasks through the PeopleSoft 9.2 system for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Interpret and apply complex procedures within the payroll system, provide guidance concerning payroll policies and procedures, and assist other LLNL organizations with problem resolution.  
• Independently analyze and resolve complex payroll-related matters including payroll deductions, direct deposit payments, tax forms, wage garnishments, Personnel Administration System (PAS) transactions, and paycheck inquiries
• Consult with and advise department Time and Absence Coordinators (TAC), administrators, resource analysts, and the Human Resources (HR) department, providing guidance and policy interpretation to ensure proper processing of employee earnings, deductions, and leave.
• Print payroll checks and maintain check printing equipment as necessary
• Scan and index payroll documents using electronic workflow and storage system.
• Provide assistance to other members of the Payroll & Benefits Accounting group and support the Financial Services Help Desk with questions that arise.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in a financial or business-related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of accounting theory, policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience using PeopleSoft 9.2 or other payroll applications and advanced knowledge and intermediate experience with computer-based spreadsheets, report generated applications and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Suite, Outlook, Service Now).
• Extensive to advanced direct payroll processing experience, including calculating Federal and State tax withholding taxes, calculation of FLSA rates, and following withholding orders and garnishments for wages and experience interpreting and applying financial policy and procedures, including State and Federal policies, procedures and regulations and experience in applying and ensuring internal controls are followed.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions, while providing a high level of customer service. 
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills, while working independently to solve problems of broad scope and complexity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to perform as a team member while maintaining a heavy workload.
• Proven ability to meet critical deadlines and work effectively under time constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work with all levels of personnel, both internal and external to the Laboratory including experience providing a high level of customer service while maintaining effective working relationships with clients, co-workers and Laboratory service units.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.