Retirement Accountant

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.
Under general supervision, performs professional and complex accounting work in the preparation and analysis of accounting records, reports, fiscal and statistical statements regarding financial status, expenses and operating procedures; performs complex financial / accounting work in support of Mendocino County Employees’ Retirement Association (MCERA) in accordance with the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL, or 1937 Act). Performs technical and administrative tasks in the processing and maintenance of the MCERA budget, expenditures, contracts and other financial and related data.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs accounting and fiscal operations unique to assigned department or an assigned function within department. Performs audits, reconciliations and appraisals of the accounting and financial systems, accounts, funds and related activities to ensure accuracy and that adequate internal control, sufficient security, and auditability are present.
• Prepares monthly financial statements and related memos.
• Supports preparation of the annual State Controller’s report, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and other required reports.
• Assists with finding solutions to problems relating to accounting and pension administration software, improvement and testing.
• Reconciles and records monthly investment transactions.
• Prepares annual budget in coordination with the Executive Director and Retirement Financial Investment Officer for Board input and adoption.
• Monitors expenditures; balance and reconcile budget; maintain budget and fiscal records throughout the fiscal year. Prepare proposed budget amendments.
• Investment manager fee tracking, reconciliations, and accruals.
• Prepares annual financial statements and coordinate with independent financial auditor and actuary in the development of Audited Financial Statements and Actuarial Valuation and Review.
• Supports, reviews, designs and implements internal controls over transactions and reporting.
• Collection and reconciliation of contributions with plan sponsors. Verifies contributions received from plan sponsors and members accurately reflect in the pension administration system.
• Tracks, reviews, and projects plan sponsor UAAL payments.
• Reviews accounting, auditing and/or regulatory reports to ensure financial compliance and integrity, analyze audit and actuarial findings, and provide budget forecasting information.
• Perform tasks associated with revenue projection.
• Compiles information/data for County Budget Book.
• Provides support and estimates for annual cash flow reports and other ad hoc reporting as required by the Executive Director or the Board of Retirement.
• Provides monthly cash outflow estimates.
• Perform audits related to special assignments including checking accuracy of entries and/or benefit payments and examining routine documents and reports.
• Researches and compil es data to comply with financial reporting requirements and review the integrity of the organization’s systems and records ; files appropriate reports with local, state and federal agencies.
• Supports preparation of memorandums, letters and reports in final form from rough drafts and notes.
• Maintains computerized and manual general ledgers for County Retirement funds; reviews and makes necessary modifications as appropriate.
• Monitors compliance with related laws, regulations, legislation, tax compliance and retirement law.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in finance, accounting or a closely related field; and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience performing professional level accounting/bookkeeping work that included reconciling and balancing accounts, preparing a variety of financial and accounting statements and reports, and tracking a variety of financial information, preferably in a public agency.

Substitution: Related experience may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the education at a rate of one (1) year of experience to one (1) year of education. Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited college in finance, accounting or closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional level accounting/bookkeeping experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License is preferred but not required. Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of :

• County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), principles and operations of retirement systems and related laws.
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, Interpretations, Technical Bulletins and Concept Statements.
• Governmental accounting practices, actuarial principles and accounting standards related to pension systems.
• General and cost accounting.
• Financial, fund and project accounting.
• Financial report and statement preparation.
• Auditing principles.
• Budgeting principles and terminology.
• Computer applications and hardware related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Laws and regulations relating to the financial administration of public agencies.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimum direction.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Using spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Read, understand and interpret laws, regulations, personnel policies, memoranda of understanding, medical and legal terminology, and changes to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL) that affect the pension payroll system.
• Set up, maintain and verify complex, financial accounting systems.
• Recognize and maintain confidentiality of information in compliance with County regulations and the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL).
• Analyze and evaluate accounting problems and use independent judgment regarding technical accounting problems.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing:The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements:Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer


This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 9/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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

• 

• County of Mendocino

• 707-234-6600

Show more