Job Details
About the Position
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
The deadline for the first review of applications is onMonday, January 29, 2024.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy within the Administrative Services - Finance Department. The position may be filled at the Accountant or Senior Accountant level depending on the qualifications of the individual selected and the business needs of the department.
Senior Accountant level candidates highly desirable
Salary Range:
Accountant:$6,708 - $8,154 monthly / $80,498.30 - $97,846.19 yearly
Senior Accountant:$7,578 - $9,211 monthly / $90,938.12 - $110,535.86 yearly
Senior Accountant:
Description
Under general direction, performs advanced level professional accounting and financial analysis work in the maintenance and control of the City's accounting systems; performs related duties as required.
Class Characteristics
The Senior Accountant is a single position classification which supervises and performs complex accounting functions in the Finance Department. This classification is distinguished from the Accountant classification by difficulty and complexity of work performed, supervisory responsibility and the use of a high degree of independent judgment in making decisions. Incumbents in this classification provide guidance to professional level staff.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of the Director of Finance.
Supervision Exercised
Exercises direct supervision over subordinate staff in execution of assigned duties.
Accountant:
Description
Under general direction, performs a variety of professional accounting and financial analysis work involving the recording and reporting of financial transactions; prepare financial reports according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); establish and maintain records of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses for the organization; analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts, sub-ledgers and bank statements; ensure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations; and assist with set up and implementation of accounting systems.
Class Characteristics
The Accountant is a single position classification characterized by responsibility of performing professional level accounting and financial analysis work involving the recording and reporting of financial transactions to include the preparation, review, analysis, and presentation of financial information as required.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Administrative Services/Finance.
Supervision Exercised
Does not exercise supervisory responsibility.
Examples of Essential Functions
Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Senior Accountant
* Performs the most difficult and specialized professional accounting work in the maintenance of financial records.
* Assists in the accounting for complex financing projects and agreements.
* Performs month-end and year-end closing of books, including all necessary entries and reconciliations.
* Prepares complex financial reports such as the annual State Controller's Reports for the City and Redevelopment Agency, the Annual Street Report and the Redevelopment Agency's Statement of Indebtedness.
* Maintains City's debt records including coordinating payments to fiscal agents, preparation and dissemination of disclosure information and reconciling statements.
* Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the City's annual budget, Single Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
* Assists in the selection of employees; plans, organizes and assigns work; supervises, trains and evaluates subordinate personnel.
* Provides technical and functional assistance/backup to Department staff as needed.
* May assist in the managing the City's investment portfolio.
* May perform duties of the Director of Finance in his/her absence.
Accountant
* Performs professional level financial accounting duties in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards.
* Assists in the preparation of financial and statistical statements and reports, fixed assets, the implementation of GASB pronouncements and other accounting functions.
* Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the City's Single Audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
* Performs month-end and year-end closing of books, including all necessary entries and reconciliations.
* Maintains general and subsidiary ledgers; prepares general journal entries (revenues, expenditures, depreciation, etc.
* Prepares complex financial reports and analyses for submission to local, state and federal governmental agencies.
* Reviews and reconciles monthly bank statements and cash balances in operating accounts; researches accounting transactions to correct discrepancies.
* Reconciles and balances accounts and assists in the maintenance of general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of various funds.
* Performs related duties as required.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Senior Accountant
Training and Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly complex professional level accounting experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: generally accepted accounting principles within a municipality; advanced practices, procedures and principles of business accounting, auditing and budgeting; applicable Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to government accounting and/or public finance; record keeping procedures; office procedures and equipment; applications of electronic data processing to accounting procedures; methods of data collection and evaluation; principles and practices of supervision and leadership.
Ability to: analyze complex accounting activities, develop conclusions and make sound recommendations; apply accounting and auditing principles and procedures; interpret and apply related laws and regulations; prepare and present reports of related activity; direct the preparation and maintenance of accurate records; work independently with little direction; supervise, plan and organize work for subordinate staff to meet deadlines; exercise sound judgment; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Accountant
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with Bachelor's Degreein accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field and two (2) years of professional level accounting experience. Governmental accounting experience is highly desirable. Additional work experience may be substituted in lieu of college graduation on a year for year basis to a maximum substitution of four years of progressively responsible experience in government accounting and financial analysis work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: accounting and audit principles and procedures according to GASB standards and pronouncements; reconciling and analyzing accounts and funds with a clear understanding of governmental accounting; familiarity with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to government accounting and/or public finance; record keeping procedures; office procedures and equipment; applications of electronic data processing to accounting procedures; and methods of data collection and evaluation.
Ability to: prepare complex and accurate spreadsheets, written reports and account analyses, ensure the timely reporting of all monthly financial information; apply accounting and auditing principles and procedures; interpret and apply related laws and regulations; analyze and reconcile financial transactions; install accounting procedures; prepare financial statements and reports; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Other Important Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:
* Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
* Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
* Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
* Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.
Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
* Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.
* Written Examination: If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview.
* Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.
* Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.
Pre-employment Process
* The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
* All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
* New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
The City of South Gate
The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.