Accounting Specialist

City of Murrieta, CA
Murrieta, California United States  View Map
Posted: Oct 02, 2024
  • Salary: $57,194.28 - $69,520.01 Annually USD
  • Full Time
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Job Description

    Description and Essential Functions

    Connected by Amazing Employees

    The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Specialist 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 Accounting Specialist position oversees the Accounts Receivable functions for the City of Murrieta. This position performs a variety of routine and non-routine accounts receivable and collection tasks including invoice billing, payment collection, and account reconciliations.

    DEFINITION
    Under general supervision, performs a variety of specialized, technical, and complex clerical accounting work of above average difficulty in connection with the preparation, review, and maintenance of financial and statistical records; and performs related work as required.

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

    CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
    This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the clerical accounting series. 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
    • Audits, balances, and reconciles ledgers, journals, accounting records and reports with control figures, analyzes accounts, researches discrepancies and posts correcting entries; reconciles bank statements
    • Participates in a variety of accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and the preparation of departmental reports, audit of bills and invoices, balancing of cash drawer, and preparation of deposits
    • Tracks, maintains, and analyzes capital outlay invoices, donated assets, and creates journal entries as an investment to fixed assets
    • Monitors and maintains a variety of government grant funds and prepares reimbursement billings
    • Maintains credit card accounts; processes receipts and reconciles with credit card statements
    • Processes invoice requests; creates and maintains new accounts
    • Assists in budget preparation, including development of reports and formulas, analysis of operating costs, and research of past expenditures as requested
    • Reviews timesheets submitted by consultants for work performed on developer accounts, posts to developer accounts and posts appropriate overhead revenue to City's general fund; verifies timesheets against consultant invoices and checks appropriate amounts against approved contracts; processes consultant invoices for accounts payable payments
    • Prepares year-end audit schedules as per assigned funds
    • Updates and maintains cash in lieu report
    • Posts wire transfers and handwritten checks
    • Verifies, enters, and records a variety of financial transactions; prepares and maintains databases, records, and a variety of periodic and special financial, accounting, and statistical reports; generates reports by computer and balances them appropriately
    • Enters and retrieves information and data using standard word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as accounting, financial, and other related electronic information systems specific to the department to which assigned
    • Generates and assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial, summary, and technical reports
    • Assists customers, departments, and employees by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, general accounting procedures, and/or department-specific issues and problems; researches issues regarding specific transactions; and updates related files and departments on action items
    • Assists supervisor(s) with special projects as required
    • Observes and complies 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:
    • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED), supplemented by completion of high school level or above coursework in bookkeeping or accounting
    • Two (2) years of clerical accounting experience which included public contact work similar to that of an Accounting Assistant with the City of Murrieta

    LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
    • None


    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

    KNOWLEDGE OF
    • Generally accepted accounting principles
    • Principles and practices of accounting including governmental accounting
    • Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation
    • Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting
    • Principles and practices of budget development and implementation
    • Methods and techniques of coding, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records
    • Business arithmetic and basic financial and statistical techniques
    • Record-keeping principles and procedures
    • 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
    • Prepare a variety of financial data and supporting reports
    • Maintain accurate and current financial records
    • Prepare clear and concise reports
    • Make thorough and accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
    • Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work
    • Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
    • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
    • Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines
    • Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
    • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work 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 and resume 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 may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background screening.

    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. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

    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 .

    MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
    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 Memorandum of Understanding .
    • RETIREMENT : The City participates inthe California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
      • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
        • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
        • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
        • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    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 unit's Memorandum of Understanding 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 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. 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 shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year. 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 contract negotiations between the recognized employee association 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
    How many years of clerical accounting experience do you possess involving public contact?
    • No clerical experience or less than two years.
    • More than two, but less than three years.
    • More than three, but less than four years.
    • More than four, but less than five years.
    • More than five years.


    04
    Have you completed coursework in accounting, bookkeeping, or a field related to the work?
    • Yes
    • No


    05
    Please select boxes 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 of experience.
    • Travel reimbursements
    • Payables (purchase orders, claims, or other methods of payment)
    • 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


    06
    Please select your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel or comparable software.
    • No experience
    • Basic: Creating spreadsheets/worksheets; data entry; using and creating simple formulas; etc.
    • Intermediate: Using complex formulas; creating charts and graphs; using macros; freezing/unfreezing panes; filtering/sorting, hiding/un-hiding data; etc.
    • Advanced: Creating macros; creating complex spreadsheets; importing/extracting data from multiple sources and worksheets; pivot tables, V-lookup, etc.


    07
    Describe your experience using Microsoft Excel or comparable software. In your response, provide a few examples that demonstrate your level of proficiency including the type of spreadsheets created, how and if you created the spreadsheets, the purpose of the spreadsheets, and your level of responsibility inputting, retrieving, and maintaining data. Also, include any specialized training you have received related to Excel or comparable software. If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate N/A.

    Required Question
    Closing Date/Time: 10/22/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Murrieta
    • City of Murrieta

    The City of Murrieta, located in southwest Riverside County, was incorporated under the general laws of the State of California on July 1, 1991 and currently supports a population of approximately 114,000 residents. While offering affordable housing and high quality schools, the City represents a blend of dynamic growth amid the traditional values of a historic rural community dating back to the 1890's. Every resident and employee of the City has the opportunity to be an integral part in shaping the Murrieta of today, and, more important, the Murrieta of tomorrow.

     

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