Accountant III

City of Pico Rivera; Pico Rivera (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pico Rivera is seeking an Accountant III to perform advanced professional accounting work, including recording and reporting for complex funds and grant contracts. The role requires independent judgment and frequent collaboration with the Administrative Services Deputy Director.

The ideal candidate will manage GL posting, prepare financial statements, and monitor grants while ensuring internal controls and compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely-related field is required.
• Two years of city or governmental fund accounting experience is required.
• Two years of grant and contract compliance and administration experience preferred.
• Proficiency in creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement complex accounting system modifications.
• Oversee posting, balancing and reconciliation of the general ledger for complex funds including grants.
• Prepare financial statements and reports for Federal, State and internal management.
• Coordinate with departments on budget-to-actual performance and cash management.
• Lead mid-year and year-end audit processes and assist with the ACFR.

Skills

Internal audits

Journal entries

General ledger reconciliation

Budgetary control

Independent judgment

Excel proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or closely-related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word/Office

Job description

ACCOUNTANT III

Full-Time/Represented

Open/Competitive

The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees, who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.

The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.

The Department

The mission of the Administrative Services Department is to provide sound and prudent financial management, auditing, budgeting, treasury management, procurement, revenue oversight, grants and capital project administration while adhering to best practices and ensuring adequate internal controls.

The Department adheres to a management philosophy of "continuous improvement," designing and documenting business systems to automate the procedures of our processes while remaining flexible to adapt to the City’s changing organizational needs and providing excellent customer service to our internal and external stakeholders.

The Position

The Accountant III position will perform a variety of advanced level professional work, recording and reporting of financial transactions and budgetary control for the most complex funds for the Accounting Division, including grant and contract management. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of professional accounting duties with minimal supervision. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures, the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, with frequent communication with the Administrative Services Deputy Director.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed by employees in this classification. Functions may be added, modified or removed to meet the needs of the city.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and duties:

• Develop and implement complex accounting system modifications.
• Oversee and actively participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the general ledger and subsidiary accounts for complex funds, including grant-funded programs.
• Prepare financial statements and various reports for Federal, State and other outside agencies as well as for internal management.
• Develop fund balance projections and review them with operatingdepartments.
• Monitor and report on the status of state and federal grants.
• Maintain and monitor fixed asset records and prepare monthly fixed asset reconciliation, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and reporting.
• Coordinate with the Public Works Department to reconcile vehicle and equipment inventories at fiscal year-end.
• Provide guidance to departmental staff on expenditure coding, documentation, and other accounting-related activities.
• Perform detailed capital project accounting and analysis, including tracking project expenditures, evaluating budget-to-actual performance, ensuring proper capitalization, and coordinating with project managers on financial status and forecasting.
• Responsible for cash management and tracking investment activities.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly treasury reports, including cash flow analysis, investment activity, and reconciliation of bank and investment accounts in compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Lead mid-year and year-end audit processes and assist in the preparation, coordination and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Provide training and guidance to assigned staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Accounting principles and practices.
• Principles of financial administration, including budgeting and reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of city government accounting systems and procedures, including procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, finance, and budget transactions directly impacting the General Ledger and other financial reports required by law.
• Bank reconciliation, Interest Allocation, GASB updates, payroll, salaries and benefits recording to the general ledger.
• Understand accounting and auditing for the year-end close process.
• Principles of training and guidance for assigned staff.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment.
• Knowledge of fixed asset management, including tracking, depreciation, and maintenance procedures.

Skills/Ability to:

• Conduct internal audits; work in conjunction with private auditors or outside consultants; verify the classification of funds and accounts; verify and check accuracy of computer-generated reports.
• Compile the daily cash status reports, monthly financial statements, etc.
• Prepare journal entries and adjustments to the general ledger.
• Review and reconcile general ledger, journal ledger, subsidiary accounts, bank statements, invoices and other accounting transaction reports.
• Maintain sound budgetary control over City departmental expenditures.
• Exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
• Work under direction and exercise independent judgment in the performance of a variety of complex and difficult professional accounting work with only occasional instructions or assistance.
• Assume accounting responsibility for the most complex funds, including grant-funding programs and reporting of Mid-year and Year-end purchasing within the fixed assets, WIP, and CIP's.
• Examine and verify financial documents and reports.
• Create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office programs is necessary to perform duties effectively.
• Monitor, maintain, and reconcile fixed asset records accurately; ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely-related field is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of city or governmental fund accounting experience related to duties is required.
• Two (2) years of grant and contract compliance and administration experience preferred.
• Proficiency in creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office programs.

Proof of education such as but not limited to, high school diploma/GED certificate, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.

Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand and finger movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The incumbent is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 20 pounds is also required.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.

Candidates must possess:

• A valid Class C California Driver's License throughout the course of employment and/or a valid California Identification Card. (City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.)
• Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement based on the IRS issued rates).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred, but not required.

TESTING:

Candidates who pass all qualifying phases of the recruitment process (e.g., minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examinations) will be placed in an eligibility pool for the hiring department to initiate the selection process. Please note: recruitment timelines may vary. Updates will be provided to candidates throughout the process.

Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).

FINAL FILING DATE: We encourage you to apply early!

This is a continuous recruitment until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, on a first-come, first-served basis.

SELECTION PROCESS

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all information provided on the application and/or supplemental questionnaire is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications and/or supplemental responses will not be accepted. Resumes may be included, but will not be accepted in place of required application materials (e.g., high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give regarding your experience and education will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment. List each job title and employer separately. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you have supervised staff, indicate how many. Based on a review of application materials, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities.

For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County. Check the website for updated information at https://lacountylibrary.org.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address.

Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.

City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This position could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on (Council meetings and) the needs of the department.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please email Human Resources, at speñ[e-mail]

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense.

All original and promotional appointments shall be tentative and subject to a probationary period of six (6) months.

City employees are registered as an Emergency Disaster Worker and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.

The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), legally protected medical condition (genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal law (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990) state or local law. The City of Pico Rivera does not discriminate or any other basis protected by law, in its employment policies or practices.

The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff: [e-mail]

City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660