Accountant

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees
The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Accountant to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Finance Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

POSITION
The ideal candidate is detail oriented, organized, with excellent problem-solving skills and works well in a team environment. The selected candidate will have a primary focus on preparation of the single audit report, completion and submission of grant financial reports, coordinate programmatic grant reports, preparation of agenda reports and managing the City's Capital Assets may be assigned other accounting functions or special projects.
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs a variety of detailed accounting, statistical and/or narrative financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation of source data; reconciles bank accounts and verifies transactions; recommends new or revised accounting systems, procedures and records; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned management and supervisory staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the fully qualified journey-level professional classification in the accounting job family. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides responsible professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City's financial and accounting programs; performs a variety of detailed accounting, statistical and/or narrative financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation of source data
• Conducts and/or coordinates internal/external audits of financial records; examines, analyzes and verifies documents to ensure adherence to established internal controls and accepted professional standards
• interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting the financial operations of municipal government
• Performs bank account reconciliations; verifies accuracy of recorded transactions; prepares related work sheets, cash balances, proofs and other schedules
• Reviews the work of payroll staff in making entries, reconciliations and performing other fiscal record keeping work
• Analyzes and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts related to postings from payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable; makes complex and difficult adjusting entries affecting several subsystems of the accounting system. prepares monthly financial statements and reports
• Prepares and assists with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports including preparation of year-end audit schedules, and reports. This includes assisting independent auditors by collecting and providing client-prepared schedules, answering variance analysis questions, and helping in the preparation and verification of financial statements and information
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems, procedures and records; may participate in the development of automated programs for accounting analyses
• Oversees grant accounting functions including recordation of revenue and expenditures, submittal of fiscal documents and disbursements; prepares required Single Audit compliance reports
• Compiles, analyzes and enters data related to capital assets for operational and infrastructure assets
• Ensures the accurate accounting of all fund activity related to inventory fixed assets
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of accounting
• Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Required:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance or accounting and
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations
• General principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
• Payroll processing procedures
• Principles and practices of financial data collection and report preparation
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting
• Principles and practices of grant accounting
• Methods and techniques of coding, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records
• Mathematics and financial and statistical techniques
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

ABILITY TO

• Perform professional accounting duties in multiple financial program areas
• Review and verify the accuracy of financial data
• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports
• Analyze, post, balance and reconcile financial ledgers, reports and accounts
• Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions
• Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other financial transactions
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
• Assist City departments with accounting issues
• Establish and maintain a variety of fiscal filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedures, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above . All properly completed applications will be reviewed , and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which include a pre-hire physical and Live Scan background investigation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Family- oriented with more than 52 parks, 1,300 acres of trails and some of the nation's top school (s) , i t is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside C ounty and one of the safest c ities in California. With some of the lowest unemployment in the state, City-based Police and Fire, and a high median income, Murrieta's offers its residents an exceptional quality-of-life in an engaged and connected community.

THE CITY OF MURRIETA ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
Integrity
We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do.
Public Service
We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.
Professionalism
We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.
Teamwork
We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance .
Leadership
We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources, and cultivate a vision for the future .

MANAGEMENT & CONFIDENTIAL
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates inthe California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period

Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)

• Formula: 2.0% at 60
• Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
• Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period

Tier 3 (New Members)

• Formula: 2.0% at 62
• Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
• Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period

MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,747.83 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents. RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the M&C Compensation Plan for details. DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents. VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents. LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available. SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee. DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.

• $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401aplan.
• $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
• $2,000 per year for Confidentialtowards the 457 plan.

ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117hours of holiday leave. ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.

• Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
• Management - 80 hrs per year.

AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month DepartmentHeads only(Exception Fire & Police Chief) FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City's operational needs. SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.
Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the M&C Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. Responses such as, "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application. Proof of education is required.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than a High School diploma or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

03
Do you possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting or a related field? Please attach transcripts or proof of degree; required at time of submitting application.

• Yes
• No

04
If you indicated you have a degree in the previous question, please specify your major below. Please attach proof of education.

05
How many years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• More than one, but less than two years
• More than two, but less than three years
• More than three, but less than four years
• More than four years

06
How many years of governmental accounting experience do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• More than one, but less than two years
• More than two, but less than three years
• More than three years

07
Have you completed coursework in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related?

• Yes
• No

08
Please select the types of customers you have assisted with financial and/or accounting transactions.

Note: Select only those areas where you have at least one year of experience.

• Public
• Other department and outside agency representatives
• Vendors
• N/A

09
Please select from the following those that best describe your experience preparing, maintaining, and reconciling accounting/financial records.

Note: Check all that apply. Select only those areas in which you have at least one year experience.

• Petty cash
• Deposits
• Travel reimbursements
• Payables (purchase orders, claims, or other methods of payment)
• Cashiering
• Ordering/receiving goods (inventory)
• Invoicing
• Assisting in the preparation of financial reports (balance sheets, income statements, statement of cash flows, etc.)
• Accounts receivable
• Preparing and reconciling general ledgers
• Reconciling accounts (i.e., checking for errors, balancing, verifying information with original source, etc.)
• None of the above

10
Describe your experience and level of responsibility preparing, maintaining, and reconciling each of your selections in the previous question. In your response, include:

• The specific record, report, account, claim, etc.
• Your specific role during each phase (inception to completion) of the process
• The specific action you performed (posting, computing totals, reconciling, reviewing, etc.)
• The frequency performing this job duty
• The type of computer software used
• Any applicable training you have received

Also include your employer, your job title, and dates of employment. This experience must be included in your application. If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate N/A.

Required Question
Closing Date/Time: 10/8/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Murrieta, California United States View Map