Accountant I

County of Contra Costa; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Contra Costa seeks an Accountant I for the Public Works Department’s Finance Division. You will perform routine accounting work, maintain accurate records, and learn more complex duties while supporting departmental goals.

Ideal candidates are team players with attention to detail, strong organization, and clear communication. This role offers public service impact, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work culture that values accuracy and ethics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field or CPA certification.
• Knowledge of GAAP/GAAS and internal controls.
• Experience with government accounting and budgeting preferred.
• Experience with Workday is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Working with various accounting systems.
• Handling tasks related to procurement cards and purchasing.
• Submitting budget adjustments, journal entries, and deposits.
• Producing monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual accounting reports.
• Assisting in completing year-end closing and fiscal year budget.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Adaptability

Integrity

Goal orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Internal substitution for education (4 years as Accounting Tech)

Tools

Workday

Job description

Why join Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa County provides an array of services to its residents and is seeking dedicated individuals with a passion for public service. We pride ourselves on improving the quality of life for our residents. You can be a part of this mission by joining us as an Accountant I. Accountant I's perform the most routine accounting work requiring working knowledge of accounting principles and practices while learning to perform duties of a more complex nature.

About the Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams and channels, and more than 200 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides a multitude of services to the public throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. The Public Works Department has an organizational culture that strives for continuous improvement. Our mission is to deliver cost-effective, safe, reliable, and sustainable services for the Contra Costa County community.

We are currently seeking to fill one (1) Accountant I vacancy in the Public Works Department’s Finance Division. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill other Countywide vacancies as they arise.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A team player. Able to build and maintain positive relationships with superiors and co-workers
• Meticulous with detail. Able to maintain accurate documentation
• Excellent at organization. Able to keep good time management solutions
• A competent and effective communicator. Able to convey information clearly and tailor messages to the audience
• Flexible. Able to embrace change and diversity
• High in personal and professional integrity.Able to act ethically and maintain confidentiality.
• Committed to goals. Able to follow through on responsibilities

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Working with various accounting systems
• Handling tasks related to procurement cards and purchasing
• Submitting budget adjustments, journal, and deposits
• Producing monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual accounting reports
• Assisting in completing year-end closing and fiscal year budget

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have a clear path for career advancement and professional growth
• You will be surrounded by a culture focused on collaboration and growth
• You will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects and be supported in a team environment
• You will be recognized for your contributions and hard work

A few challenges you might face in this job

• You will need to balance a new workload while navigating a steep learning curve
• You will address complex accounting challenges and adhere to policies and procedures
• You will resolve communication breakdowns effectively
• You will multi-task and prioritize tasks and projects efficiently

Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative and qualitative data.
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Mathematical Facility:Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication:Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Reading Comprehension:Understanding and using written information
• Writing:Communicating effectively in writing
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Building & Maintaining Relationships:Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Establishing Credibility:Doing what he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
• Influencing: Affecting or changing others' positions and opinions

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months to fill any future vacancies in the County Departments utilizing this classification.

Education:

1) Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting or a closely related field, which must have included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units from among the following accounting courses: Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Fund Accounting, Cost Accounting, or Auditing;OR 2) Possession of a Certified Public Accountant Certificate.

Internal Substitution for Education:

Four (4) years of full time, or its equivalent,experience as an Accounting Technician for Contra Costa County and at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units from the above listed accounting courses, which must be transferable to an accredited college or university system for credit, may be substituted for the required education.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with government accounting, auditing, and using systems like Workday.
• Knowledge of accounting and auditing standards (GAAP and GAAS), including internal controls.
• Comfortable using and understanding accounting software and technology.
• Familiar with cost accounting and budgeting.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodations, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.