Senior Accountant

Under general direction, performs complex professional accounting duties and acts as a lead worker; records and reports financial transactions; reviews fiscal records; prepares financial report statements and analyses; performs related duties as required.

• Performs and oversees professional accounting work, including recording and reporting of financial transactions and monitoring budgetary control for assigned area(s) of responsibility.
• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, policies, and procedures related to accounting activities; reviews, recommends and implements improvements to accounting methods, budgeting, and reporting procedures; ensures conformity to policies and increases effectiveness in financial procedures.
• Responsible for the preparation of the budget in assigned area(s) of responsibility.
• Assists in debt issuance and review of bond documents; provides accounting for bond funds and assessment of district funds.
• Assists in cash management; prepares monthly investment reports for submittal to City Council by City Treasurer; allocates interest income as appropriate.
• Maintains project accounts for cost recovery, capital projects and fixed assets.
• Prepares and analyzes data, journal entries and budget transfers, and financial statements; prepares various financial, expenditure and tax reports; reconciles financial records for accuracy.
• Prepares written reports for submittal to City Council/Redevelopment Agency in assigned area(s)of responsibility. 
• Maintains and monitors grant awards; prepares grant reports.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of records for audits and assists outside independent auditors in their review of City/Redevelopment Agency financial statements and activities; responsible for year-end reporting and assists with annual financial reports.
• Provides advice and counsel to management and other employees in financial and accounting matters; organizes, assigns and reviews the work of subordinates; provides professional support and feedback as necessary.
• Plans and organizes the City’s revenue collection efforts; performs or oversees field audits of books and records of local businesses.
• May review accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll processing.

Any combination of education and experience as follows:

Education 
Must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or a closely related field which has included courses in accounting.

And 

Experience 
Four (4) years of related experience in accounting.

Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of general and municipal government and grant accounting and auditing; principles and practices of budgeting; principles and practices of lead supervision; City finance policies and procedures; laws relating to public finance, fiscal operations and redevelopment; modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to analyze, interpret and explain state and federal guidelines, City finance policies and procedures; establish and maintain fiscal records and accounts; prepare clear, concise, complete and accurate financial statements, schedules and reports; review, recommend, and implement improvements to accounting, budgeting and reporting procedures; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; work independently and as a team member; establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted in the course of the work; organize and review the work of self and others; perform related duties as required.Bargaining Unit: SEIU 
Annual Hours: 1820 (35 hours per week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Created: February 2000 
Last Revised: August 2025