Accountant I

Job Summary

Performs accounting duties of average to difficult complexity in support of the financial operations of City departments. Applies professional accounting principles, methods and procedures to the maintenance of accounting records and in the preparation of various fiscal and financial reports.

Representative Duties

Note: Duties may vary dependent upon assignment.

Participates in the preparation, maintenance and distribution of financial statements and reports, including but not limited to the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); grant and project reports; and federal and state mandated financial reports.

Analyzes a variety of fiscal transactions to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards, municipal codes and policies, and applicable federal and state rules and regulations.

Collects, analyzes and summarizes statistical data related to financial trends, revenue capacity, debt capacity, operating costs, and demographic and economic information for use in financial reporting, benchmarking, performance measurement and general public disclosures.

Conducts reconciliations of various accounts including bank and investment accounts bond trustee accounts, and asset and liability accounts.

Verifies, categorizes, posts and reconciles revenues and expenditures to proper accounts. Reviews requests to reclassify expenditures and prepares proposed journal entries.

Performs analysis of funds and accounts by reviewing general and subsidiary ledgers and other accounting records. Makes adjustments, corrects errors and/or contacts City department(s) regarding necessary changes, as directed.

Conducts cost accounting, studies and surveys. Assists in preparing and maintaining various records and reports, including audit work papers, tax forms and monthly and quarterly statements.

Provides assistance to City staff members on posting routine transactions on the City’s automated financial system. Responds to requests for information or assistance regarding financial data and related documents and accounting policies and procedures. Makes referrals to appropriate resources, as necessary.

Assists departmental staff with workers’ compensation and housing claim and subsidy payments, as assigned.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills :

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods and procedures of accounting.

Basic principles of financial recordkeeping.

Research techniques.

Principles of mathematics and basic statistics.

Computer word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Analyze data and prepare financial statements and reports.

Research and interpret technical accounting information.

Reconcile figures.

Prepare and maintain fiscal records and accounts.

Learn, understand and apply governmental accounting practices and procedures, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and interpret financial provisions of federal, state and local laws regulations.

Learn and use automated financial accounting systems and data processing applications.

Follow written and oral instructions .

Perform work requiring accuracy and attention to detail.

Meet strict deadlines.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, outside agencies and the general public.

Provide effective customer service.

Education, Training and Experience :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration with emphasis in accounting.

One year of recent, paid work experience in performing accounting or finance support duties is desirable. Governmental accounting experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

None.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Training and Experience Evaluation
Written Examination

Oral Interview

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is performed primarily indoors in a busy office environment with a consistent need to meet strict deadlines. Office work requires sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard and screen. Physical demands may include standing, kneeling, bending, reaching and grasping.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and Marine Park Childcare Center.

Closing Date/Time: 11/8/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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